THIBODAUX, La. – This year, Nicholls is undergoing a 10-year reaffirmation process through its accrediting body. Part of this process involves the development of a Quality Enhancement Plan. Nicholls began its QEP during the development of its new Strategic Plan.
The university saw a slight decline in its Fall 2025 enrollment of 5,893, but several Nicholls programs saw growth, including:
- Management, Marketing, & Business Administration (9.4%)
- Applied Sciences (37.4%)
- Graduate Studies in Sciences and Technology (36.4%)
- Social Sciences (5.5%)
- Graduate Studies in Nursing (9.2%)
The university maintains a strong impact on its surrounding community, with over 75% of the students coming from the eight-parish region and a 12% increase from Assumption Parish. In addition, more than 52% of first-time freshmen identify as first-generation students, reflecting Nicholls’ dedication to providing an accessible education.
The QEP, “Career Ready Colonels,” is set to be implemented in 2026 with a focus on building career competencies like critical and creative thinking, communication and professionalism in all Nicholls students. This QEP will involve students in practical, curriculum-based, career readiness experiences that will prepare them for professional success.
Improvements to campus academic facilities include the construction of a new building for the expansion of the Thibodaux Regional School of Nursing, renovation of Gouaux Hall and upcoming construction of a new Al Danos College of Business Administration and Louisiana Maritime Academy building. These projects will allow the university to provide the facilities and resources necessary for even more students to be equipped for careers after graduation.
In addition, Nicholls Nursing introduced the Student Early Acceptance Track for high school seniors this fall. S.E.A.T. provides graduating high school students with a secured clinical nursing seat competition-free when they are enrolled the following fall. Currently, the program has enrolled 29 students who accepted their seats for next fall. For Fall 2026 acceptance to the program, students are required to:
- Earn a GPA of at least 3.6
- Earn ACT score of at least 23
- Be admitted to Nicholls State by April 30, 2026
- Meet all Bachelor of Science in Nursing admission requirements
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, September 19, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Payton Suire
Media Relations & Publications Coordinator,
985.448.4141 or payton.suire@nicholls.edu