Nicholls State University's admission and readmission policies for its undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as certification and non-degree programs, are published in the University's Bulletin, which is available in electronic format on the University's Web site [1]. Admissions policies are consistent with the University's mission to offer excellent comprehensive education that meets the needs of the communities it serves. The Bulletin is published annually, with addendums being added as needed. All material published is reviewed for accuracy each year.

The University's admissions policies are those established in the Louisiana Board of Regents' Master Plan for Public Postsecondary Education [2]. The admissions policies are aligned with the University's mission and strategic plan as described in Core Requirement 2.4 [3] and Comprehensive Standard 3.1.1 [4].

Board of Regents, Master Plan

The university [Nicholls] will limit associate degree offerings to 2+2 programs, conduct research appropriate to academic programs offered and necessary for program accreditation, and implement, at a minimum, Selective III admissions criteria. Nicholls is located in Region III.

Beginning in Fall 2005, the University implemented new admissions criteria as per the Board of Regents' Master Plan [5], and which are stated in the 2005-2006 Bulletin as indicated below [6]:

Nicholls State University, 2005-2006 Bulletin

First-time freshman, under 25 years of age, must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for admission to Nicholls State University.

1. Meet the Board of Regents Core (TOPS Core)

2. Meet at least one of the following

1. Have at least a 20 composite ACT, OR
2. Have an overall 2.00/4.00 grade point average, OR
3. Rank in the top half of their graduation class

3. Require no more than ONE Developmental

Nicholls State University may admit students who do not meet all stated admissions requirements in accordance with the Board of Regents Master Plan. Nicholls State University will consider first-time freshmen with an ACT composite of at least 15. Admissions decisions will be made considering each applicant's potential for success and will include factors such as ACT score, special talents, and the University's commitment to a demographically diverse student population. Students that are not admitted are encouraged to attend one of the Louisiana Community/Technical colleges. Transfer students may be admitted to Nicholls State University that do not meet the above criteria once they have at least 12 hours of non-developmental courses with at least a 2.00 GPA and require no more than one developmental.

Out-of-State, Home-Schooled Students, GED recipients

Freshman students, under the age of 25, who graduate from out-of-state schools, are home-schooled, or receive a General Education Diploma must meet one of the following minimum admissions criteria. Those freshman students who do not may be admitted under the admissions exceptions category.

Criteria #1

Current minimum criteria for Louisiana residents as outlined above.

Criteria #2

1. Have at least a 20 composite ACT, AND
2. Have an overall 2.00/4.00 grade point average, AND
3. Rank in the top half of their graduation class, AND
4. Require not more than ONE Developmental

Criteria #3

1. Have at least a 23 composite ACT, AND
2. Require no more than ONE Developmental

All admissions policies are consistent with the University of Louisiana System's Board Rules [7].