English Language and Literature at Nicholls State University

The small sample size here is crucial context—with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers could shift dramatically with just a few data points. That said, starting at $22,030 puts graduates roughly $7,400 below the national median for English degrees and about $2,300 below Louisiana's already-modest state median. While the program sits at the 40th percentile statewide (essentially middle-of-the-pack among Louisiana English programs), it ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally, and Southeastern Louisiana graduates earn about $9,000 more right out of the gate.

The debt load of $27,625 exceeds both state and national medians, creating a particularly challenging first year where loan payments will consume a significant portion of take-home pay. For context, Louisiana English majors typically carry $22,250 in debt—$5,000 less than what Nicholls graduates face. With Nicholls's 96% admission rate and above-average Pell grant population, many students here may have limited financial cushion to weather tight early-career budgets.

If your child is committed to studying English in Louisiana, this data suggests looking closely at Southeastern Louisiana or UL Lafayette, both of which show meaningfully stronger first-year outcomes. Given the volatility from small sample sizes and the immediate financial pressure these numbers suggest, you'd want to see multiple years of data trending upward before feeling confident about this program's value.