Location: Thibodaux, LA•In-State Tuition: $8,173•Out-of-State Tuition: $9,266•Admission Rate: 96%•Avg SAT: 1088
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$57,964
Est. from LA median (5 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,500
Est. from national median (136 programs)

Analysis

Similar allied health diagnostic programs in Louisiana suggest graduates earn around $58,000 in their first year, with debt loads near $26,500—figures that place Nicholls State squarely in the middle of the pack statewide. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 means roughly five months of gross income to cover what students borrowed, which represents manageable financial risk for entry into healthcare fields that typically offer steady employment and advancement opportunities.

The challenge is that Louisiana's allied health diagnostic salaries lag behind the national median of $60,447, and top programs in the state—particularly LSU Health Sciences Center-New Orleans at $74,000—demonstrate significantly higher earning potential. Whether this gap reflects regional salary differences, program specializations (respiratory therapy versus radiologic technology, for example), or career trajectory variations isn't clear from the available data. What matters practically: starting $16,000 below the state's leading program could compound to substantial lifetime earnings differences.

For parents evaluating Nicholls State specifically, you're betting on estimated rather than verified outcomes, which adds uncertainty to an already mixed picture. If your child has strong clinical interests and Nicholls offers the right specialization at an accessible price point, the debt burden won't likely crush them. But if higher-earning programs like LSU Health Sciences Center are within reach academically and geographically, the potential earnings advantage might justify exploring those options first.

Where Nicholls State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions bachelors's programs nationally

Nicholls State University (estimated ±10%)Other allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (12 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Nicholls State UniversityThibodaux$8,173$57,964*—$26,500*—
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New OrleansNew Orleans—$74,205*$59,332—*—
Northwestern State University of LouisianaNatchitoches$8,864$58,627*$54,284$26,797*0.46
McNeese State UniversityLake Charles$8,460$57,964*$44,948—*—
University of Holy CrossNew Orleans$16,160$54,241*$60,662—*—
University of Louisiana at MonroeMonroe$9,190$50,006*$54,502$26,000*0.52
National Median—$60,447*—$27,000*0.45
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions graduates

Medical Dosimetrists

Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.

$138,110/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Physician Assistants

Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Anesthesiologist Assistants

Assist anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures. Monitor patient status and provide patient care during surgical treatment.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nuclear Technicians

Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians

Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiation Therapists

Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

$101,990/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.

$97,020/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.

$89,340/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Respiratory Therapists

Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

$80,450/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Nicholls State University, approximately 35% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 5 similar programs in LA. Actual outcomes may vary.