Nicholls State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Sending your student to college in Louisiana doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At Nicholls State University, families can combine in-state pricing with automatic scholarships, local donor awards, and even regional tuition breaks through programs like the Academic Common Market. This page walks first-gen parents step by step through what Nicholls really costs, what aid is automatic, and where the hidden opportunities live—plus how it all ties back to our Louisiana state aid guide and the full College Scholarships Hub.
💰 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 | $8,672 + out-of-state fee (total higher without waiver) |
| Housing & Meals | $11,248 | $11,248 |
| Books & Supplies (allowance) | $1,401 | $1,401 |
| Transportation (allowance) | $3,142 | $3,142 |
| Personal/Misc. (allowance) | $2,171 | $2,171 |
| Total COA (before aid) | ≈ $26,634 | In-state total + out-of-state fee (waiver/ACM removes this add-on) |
Out-of-State Savings Options
- Out-of-State Fee Waiver — Freshmen can qualify to pay in-state rates if they meet ACT/SAT + GPA cutoffs (examples: ACT ≥21 & GPA ≥3.0, or ACT ≥23 & GPA ≥2.5). Must enroll full-time with no remedial coursework. This removes the entire nonresident fee, saving thousands per year.
- Academic Common Market (ACM) — For students from Southern states whose chosen major isn’t offered in their home state. With ACM certification, you also pay in-state tuition at Nicholls for that program. Requires separate application through your state’s ACM office.
Reciprocity & Waiver FAQ
Who qualifies? Nonresidents who meet waiver GPA/test score cutoffs, or ACM students in approved majors.
How much can you save? The waiver and ACM both reduce tuition to the in-state rate, cutting thousands off the out-of-state cost.
Do you have to apply? Waivers are tied to admission credentials; ACM requires state certification before enrollment.
✅ 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.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Scholarship (First-Time Freshmen) | $2,000–$4,000/yr (amount set by unweighted GPA tier) | Unweighted HS GPA ≥3.5 and ACT ≥21 (or SAT equivalent); admitted by Jan 5 | No (via admission) | Yes — keep 3.0 semester GPA & 12+ hrs | Students at/above 3.5 GPA with a 21+ ACT; higher GPAs land higher tiers |
| Housing & Meals (Academic Enrichment) | $2,000–$4,500/yr (amount set by unweighted GPA tier) | Unweighted HS GPA ≥3.5 and ACT ≥21 (or SAT equivalent); must live on campus; admitted by Jan 5 | No (via admission) | Yes — keep 3.0 semester GPA & 12+ hrs and continue on-campus housing | On-campus freshmen meeting the same GPA/test cutoffs; higher GPAs land higher tiers |
| Unweighted HS GPA | Academic Scholarship | Housing & Meals |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | $4,000 | $4,500 |
| 3.9 | $3,500 | $4,000 |
| 3.8 | $3,000 | $3,500 |
| 3.7 | $2,500 | $3,000 |
| 3.6 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| 3.5 | $2,000 | $2,000 |
Notes: ACT 21+ (or SAT equivalent) is required for both the Academic and Housing & Meals awards. Admitted by Jan 5. Students who meet criteria typically receive a Scholars Banquet invitation (RSVP required).
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need to apply? No. Consideration is automatic with admission once your GPA and ACT/SAT are on file by Jan 5.
Are test scores required? Yes. Academic and Housing & Meals awards both require an ACT composite of 21+ (or SAT equivalent) in addition to GPA.
Can these stack with other aid? Nicholls lists Academic and Housing & Meals amounts separately; eligible on-campus freshmen are generally considered for both. Stacking with other waivers/discounts (e.g., Out-of-State Fee Waiver, ACM) isn’t specified on the page — confirm with Scholarships/Financial Aid.
🏆 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.
⭐ 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.
🎖️ Honors College
For high-achieving students who want a small, seminar-style community, the University Honors Program at Nicholls gives you faculty attention, early registration, and meaningful add-ons like research and study abroad. It’s a practical pathway for first-gen families: clear expectations, real mentorship, and doors that open when it’s time to compete for bigger opportunities.
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 and targeted info on major national scholarships
- Honors notation on transcript/certificate at graduation
Not a separate scholarship pot — instead, Honors acts as a pipeline to high-profile external awards. The Honors Office curates and pushes opportunities like the Goldwater, Marshall, and Udall scholarships to qualified students, and can help position them for competitive departmental and universitywide awards. Honors students may also access funding for study abroad and special academic events when available.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | — | — | — | — |
Honors FAQ
Is admission automatic? No — students self-apply to the Honors Program after Nicholls admission.
Does Honors add time to the degree? No — Honors coursework is designed to integrate with core/major requirements.
Any extra $$? Honors itself doesn’t list standalone “Honors-only” scholarships; instead it channels students toward national competitions and can provide limited study-abroad or enrichment support as available.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Nicholls State may be a smaller public university, but that’s also its strength. Families will find clear costs, straightforward automatic merit scholarships, and plenty of hidden gems like alumni, donor, and marching band awards. For students who want Louisiana’s only four-year culinary degree or hands-on programs tied to the coast, Nicholls offers opportunities that punch above its weight. If your student is hardworking and willing to apply early, the mix of waivers, merit aid, and departmental help can make Nicholls surprisingly affordable.
✅ Last updated: September 8, 2025