Nicholls State ranks as the No. 1 best value college in Louisiana, according to Niche.com. The ranking is based on net price, alumni earnings, graduation rates and student debt. Dr. Todd Keller, the provost and vice president for academic affairs, says Nicholls’ average cost and tuition are significantly lower than the national and state averages and students feel at home.
“Students that come to Nicholls, they feel supported, they feel like the faculty know them by name, know their back stories, even to the point of knowing their families. And so, it creates this incredible sense of belonging on the campus,” Keller explained.
Nicholls’ alumni median earnings five years after graduation average $49,000 per year, which is $4,000 more than the national average. Keller says 95% of its alumni are employed one year after graduation, and the surveys find that students really enjoy their time at Nicholls.
“52% of the respondents use the word ‘friendly.’ 16% chose ‘family,’ 16% chose ‘unique.’ 9% ‘underrated’ and 7% ‘home away from home,’” Keller said.
Nicholls also ranks third for safest college campuses in Louisiana. Keller says Nicholls’ in-state tuition of $8,000 is almost half of Louisiana’s average.
“I think we’re an incredibly terrific value for a safe, comfortable campus that has a low faculty-to-student ratio that provides students with a livable income, once they graduate and get into their careers,” Keller said.
Louisiana Tech ranks second for value, followed by UL Lafayette, Louisiana Christian and ULM.
