Nicholls State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic and competitive scholarships for 2025–26
- Out-of-state tuition waivers and Honors benefits
- Key deadlines and test-optional details
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~96%
- Middle 50% ACT: 18–24
- Middle 50% SAT: 940–1170
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): 3.2–3.8
Source: Nicholls State University Common Data Set 2024–25 and BigFuture. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Nicholls State University at a Glance
Last verified: October 19, 2025
Nicholls State University offers some of the most accessible scholarships in Louisiana—many of which are automatic for students with solid GPAs and ACT/SAT scores. Out-of-state students often qualify for fee waivers that bring their tuition close to in-state levels.
For top-performing students, the competitive President’s Scholarship covers full tuition, while the Honors Program adds academic support and leadership opportunities that make Nicholls a strong value choice.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Nicholls State is test-optional through 2026 and uses GPA for scholarship consideration when scores aren’t submitted.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 18–24; SAT: 940–1170 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $12,091/year after aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Yes — Nicholls automatically grants out-of-state fee waivers to eligible nonresident students.
Admissions (Undergraduate) – https://www.nicholls.edu/admissions/
Freshman Scholarships – https://www.nicholls.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
Out-of-State Fee Waiver – https://www.nicholls.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/out-of-state-waiver/
Honors Program – https://www.nicholls.edu/honors/
Common Data Set – https://www.nicholls.edu/institutional-research/common-data-set/
College Scorecard – https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?159647-Nicholls-State-University
💰 Cost of Attendance at Nicholls State University
The official 2025–2026 cost of attendance (COA) below shows estimated yearly expenses for a full-time undergraduate living on campus. Tuition is the same for all students, but nonresidents are charged an additional out-of-state fee unless they qualify for the waiver or Academic Common Market (ACM).
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $8,672 | $16,736 |
| Housing & Meals | $11,248 | $11,248 |
| Estimated Total (before aid) | $19,920 | $27,984 |
Note: The table above includes only direct costs billed by Nicholls—tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meals. Other estimated expenses (books, transportation, and personal costs) are not paid directly to the university and vary by student, so they are excluded here.
Out-of-State Savings Options
- Out-of-State Fee Waiver — Qualifying freshmen (ACT ≥21 & GPA ≥3.0, or ACT ≥23 & GPA ≥2.5) pay in-state rates and save about $8,000 per year.
- Academic Common Market (ACM) — Students from SREB states can pay in-state tuition for approved majors not offered in their home state; requires state-level certification.
University COA page – https://www.nicholls.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance/
Housing & Meal Rates – https://www.nicholls.edu/housing/rates/
Out-of-State Fee Waiver – https://www.nicholls.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/out-of-state-waiver/
Academic Common Market (ACM) – https://www.nicholls.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Nicholls awards automatic scholarships to first-time freshmen who meet specific GPA and test score criteria by the January 5 priority date. Awards are tied to admission (no separate app) and renew yearly with a 3.0 semester GPA and 12+ credit hours per term. ACT 21+ (or SAT equivalent) is required for all tiers and for both Academic and Housing & Meals awards.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Scholarship – Tier 1 (4.0 GPA) | $4,000/yr | Unweighted GPA 4.0 & ACT ≥21; first-time freshman; admitted by Jan 5 | No | Yes — 3.0 semester GPA & 12+ hrs | 4.0 GPA/ACT 21+ admitted by deadline | Jan 5 |
| Academic Scholarship – Tier 2 (3.9 GPA) | $3,500/yr | Unweighted GPA 3.9 & ACT ≥21; first-time freshman; admitted by Jan 5 | No | Yes — 3.0 semester GPA & 12+ hrs | 3.9 GPA/ACT 21+ admitted by deadline | Jan 5 |
| Academic Scholarship – Tier 3 (3.8 GPA) | $3,000/yr | Unweighted GPA 3.8 & ACT ≥21; first-time freshman; admitted by Jan 5 | No | Yes — 3.0 semester GPA & 12+ hrs | 3.8 GPA/ACT 21+ admitted by deadline | Jan 5 |
| Academic Scholarship – Tier 4 (3.7 GPA) | $2,500/yr | Unweighted GPA 3.7 & ACT ≥21; first-time freshman; admitted by Jan 5 | No | Yes — 3.0 semester GPA & 12+ hrs | 3.7 GPA/ACT 21+ admitted by deadline | Jan 5 |
| Academic Scholarship – Tier 5 (3.6 GPA) | $2,500/yr | Unweighted GPA 3.6 & ACT ≥21; first-time freshman; admitted by Jan 5 | No | Yes — 3.0 semester GPA & 12+ hrs | 3.6 GPA/ACT 21+ admitted by deadline | Jan 5 |
| Academic Scholarship – Tier 6 (3.5 GPA) | $2,000/yr | Unweighted GPA 3.5 & ACT ≥21; first-time freshman; admitted by Jan 5 | No | Yes — 3.0 semester GPA & 12+ hrs | 3.5 GPA/ACT 21+ admitted by deadline | Jan 5 |
| Housing & Meals Scholarship – Tier 1 (4.0 GPA) | $4,500/yr | Unweighted GPA 4.0 & ACT ≥21; first-time freshman; live on campus; admitted by Jan 5 | No | Yes — 3.0 semester GPA, 12+ hrs, live on campus | 4.0 GPA/ACT 21+ living on campus, admitted by deadline | Jan 5 |
| Housing & Meals Scholarship – Tier 2 (3.9 GPA) | $4,000/yr | Unweighted GPA 3.9 & ACT ≥21; first-time freshman; live on campus; admitted by Jan 5 | No | Yes — 3.0 semester GPA, 12+ hrs, live on campus | 3.9 GPA/ACT 21+ living on campus, admitted by deadline | Jan 5 |
| Housing & Meals Scholarship – Tier 3 (3.8 GPA) | $3,500/yr | Unweighted GPA 3.8 & ACT ≥21; first-time freshman; live on campus; admitted by Jan 5 | No | Yes — 3.0 semester GPA, 12+ hrs, live on campus | 3.8 GPA/ACT 21+ living on campus, admitted by deadline | Jan 5 |
| Housing & Meals Scholarship – Tier 4 (3.7 GPA) | $3,000/yr | Unweighted GPA 3.7 & ACT ≥21; first-time freshman; live on campus; admitted by Jan 5 | No | Yes — 3.0 semester GPA, 12+ hrs, live on campus | 3.7 GPA/ACT 21+ living on campus, admitted by deadline | Jan 5 |
| Housing & Meals Scholarship – Tier 5 (3.6 GPA) | $2,500/yr | Unweighted GPA 3.6 & ACT ≥21; first-time freshman; live on campus; admitted by Jan 5 | No | Yes — 3.0 semester GPA, 12+ hrs, live on campus | 3.6 GPA/ACT 21+ living on campus, admitted by deadline | Jan 5 |
| Housing & Meals Scholarship – Tier 6 (3.5 GPA) | $2,000/yr | Unweighted GPA 3.5 & ACT ≥21; first-time freshman; live on campus; admitted by Jan 5 | No | Yes — 3.0 semester GPA, 12+ hrs, live on campus | 3.5 GPA/ACT 21+ living on campus, admitted by deadline | Jan 5 |
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need to apply? No. Awards are automatic with admission if your scores and transcript are on file by Jan 5.
Are test scores required? Yes. ACT composite 21+ or SAT equivalent is mandatory for all awards/tiers.
Can these stack with other aid? Academic and Housing/Multi awards are listed separately; eligible on-campus students are generally awarded both. Stacking with other waivers is not specified—confirm with Financial Aid.
Freshman Academic Scholarship Policy – https://www.nicholls.edu/financial-aid/first-time-freshman/
Housing and Meal Scholarships – https://www.nicholls.edu/financial-aid/first-time-freshman/
Nicholls Financial Aid – https://www.nicholls.edu/financial-aid/
University Catalog Awards – https://www.nicholls.edu/catalog/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Nicholls does not publish separate, university-level competitive freshman scholarships beyond its automatic merit grid. Departmental/donor awards and Honors-related awards are listed elsewhere on this page per CRP formatting.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | What Makes It Competitive | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Note: If Nicholls launches a named, university-level competitive program (e.g., interview/essay cohort) we’ll add it here on the next pass.
🎖️ Honors College
For high-achieving students seeking a close-knit academic cohort, the University Honors Program offers priority registration, small seminar classes, access to faculty mentors, study abroad opportunities, and support toward national scholarships and postgraduate awards. Honors is a selective community and serves as a launching pad for first-generation and high-achieving students at Nicholls.
GPA: ~3.5+ unweighted • Rigor: AP/DE where available • Traits: curious, reliable, service-oriented
Application: short form + writing sample (per Honors guidance); selection based on overall fit and readiness for seminar work
- Priority registration and small Honors seminars
- Access to faculty mentors, research, and presentation opportunities
- Reserved Honors housing options (space-dependent)
- Study abroad support (UK, Costa Rica, Europe programs)
- Personalized guidance for national scholarships (Goldwater, Marshall, Udall, etc.)
- Honors transcript notation and certificate at graduation
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Scott Pecoraro Honors Program Endowed Memorial Scholarship | Varies (Foundation endowment, often $1,000+) | Full-time Honors Program member, academic merit, “well-rounded” profile (per endowment description) | Yes — Foundation application cycle | One-year; may be renewed if criteria met | Selected Honors students applying via Foundation | Spring (see Foundation deadlines) |
| Honors Abroad Program Funding | $500–$1,500/trip (varies by annual fund) | Active Honors student, in good standing, 60+ credits for major trips; by application/committee review | Yes — study abroad/Honors application | No (one trip per award) | Honors students selected for faculty-led or partner international programs | Varies by program/year |
Note: Honors at Nicholls is a support structure — most funding is either through competitive Foundation/departmental endowments or specific travel experiences. The program’s main value is the personal guidance and early access to prestigious national and international opportunities.
Honors FAQ
Is Honors admission guaranteed? No, students must submit a separate Honors Program application (short essays required); admission is competitive and holistic.
Will Honors slow my degree? No, Honors core fits most major tracks; thesis/work requirements built into graduation timeline.
How do scholarships work? There is no automatic Honors-only award. Students may be eligible for Foundation endowment or study abroad grants; all national scholarships are competitive and require campus nomination through the Honors Office.
Any Honors housing? Yes — reserved rooms available but not guaranteed; apply early through housing portal.
University Honors – https://www.nicholls.edu/honors/
Honors Abroad – https://www.nicholls.edu/honors/study-abroad/
Foundation Endowment Awards – https://www.nicholls.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
Honors Catalog, Policies – https://www.nicholls.edu/catalog/
⭐ College Specialty
Nicholls State may not be the largest campus in Louisiana, but it has carved out a strong identity in a few fields where it really shines. Families looking for distinctive career paths often find that Nicholls offers hands-on training and industry connections that bigger universities can’t always match. If your student has a passion for food, the coast, or surveying the land, this is where Nicholls stands out.
- Marine & Environmental Biology — Leverages Louisiana’s coastal setting with research labs and the Nicholls Coastal Center; prepares students for graduate study and coastal restoration careers.
- Geomatics (Surveying & Mapping) — One of only a handful of accredited Geomatics programs in the U.S.; aligned with licensure requirements for Professional Land Surveyors in Louisiana.
- Nursing & Allied Health — Consistently ranks among the largest producers of nursing graduates in the region; strong reputation in South Louisiana hospitals and clinics.