Northwestern State University of Louisiana
About Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Northwestern State University is a public university in Natchitoches, Louisiana, one of the oldest cities in the Louisiana Purchase. It offers programs in nursing, education, business, and creative and performing arts.
Founded
1884
Location
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Students
6,420
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
92.5%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
43.2%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$8,864
Out-of-state: $19,652
Avg Net Price
$13,606
After financial aid
SAT Average
1088
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$47,021
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$20
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Northwestern State University of Louisiana accepts the majority of applicants at 92.5%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1088/ 1600
ACT Scores
19/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
43.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
70.9%
4-Year Grad
28%
6-Year Grad
44%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
66.1%
$/Student
$7.0K
Class Size
Medium
The 28% graduation rate is below average, but 70.9% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$8,864
In-State
$19,652
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$10,926
Books & Supplies
$1,353
Total Cost of Attendance
$25,431
After Financial Aid
$13,606
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$11,693
Receive Grants
35.2%
Take Loans
35.1%
The full cost of attendance is about $25,431/yr for in-state students, including $10,926 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $13,606. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $19,652.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Northwestern State University of Louisiana fund their education.
While in School
35.2%
Get Grants
Free money
35.1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$30,223
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$25,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$265/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $25,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $47K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Northwestern State University of Louisiana.
Gender
71.4%
Female
29%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
5,519
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
901
Graduates
42.4%
First-Gen
24 yrs
Avg Age
22.2%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 71% of the student body. 42.4% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Remote
Campus Quick Facts
5,519
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Northwestern State University of Louisiana fields 8 varsity teams with 422 student athletes, about 8% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Southland
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
8
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
422
8% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
60% / 40%
254
Men
168
Women
4
Men's Teams
6
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Northwestern State University of Louisianaearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$47,021
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$75K
293 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$33K
144 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$33K
113 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$25K
100 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$37K
91 grads
1yr Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
$59K
64 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $39K six years out, growing to $47K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Northwestern State University of Louisiana
What is the acceptance rate at Northwestern State University of Louisiana?▾
How much does Northwestern State University of Louisiana cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Northwestern State University of Louisiana?▾
How much do Northwestern State University of Louisiana graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.