Introduction: Self-esteem is a personal force or a potential effect and it referred as person's global judgements of competency regarding one's self-worth.This study aimed to assess the impact of self-esteem upon academic performance of the college students.Research methodology:A descriptive correlational study was conducted at selected nursing College,Chennai,with the sample size of 98 students who were selected through total enumerative sampling technique. Data was collected by using tools such as background variable proforma, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale(RSES) and proforma to assess the academic performance of the B.Sc(N) I year students.Results: There was a positive correlation (r=0.4) between self- esteem and academic performance which is statistically significant(p < 0.001) indicating the fact that improving one's self esteem can have positive impact on academic performance. Conclusion: The above findings revealed that self -est eem is most important factor that influences students'forecast of academic performance. Planning psychological interventions to boost the self -esteem of the students will be helpful in improving their academic performance.