Public Institution

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Natchitoches, Louisiana

Annual Tuition $8,864

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 93.7%

Open Admission

Enrollment 5,840

Active Students

Avg. Salary $47,021

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Natchitoches, Louisiana
Institution type Public
Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Northwestern State University of Louisiana stands as a pillar of higher education in Natchitoches, providing a robust academic foundation for 5,840 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Northwestern State Louisiana offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Health Professions
29.1%

Enrollment Share

Humanities
23.6%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
9%

Enrollment Share

Psychology
6.7%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences
6.5%

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts
3.7%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Northwestern State University of Louisiana provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Northwestern State University of Louisiana provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Northwestern State Louisiana?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 93.7%
Difficulty Low

Northwestern State University of Louisiana maintains an acceptance rate of 93.7%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 28.8%
Women Enrollment 71.2%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 495 - 620
SAT Mathematics 430 - 623
ACT English 18 - 25
ACT Mathematics 16 - 23
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Northwestern State Louisiana cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $8,864
Out-of-State Tuition $19,652

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 34.9%
Median Student Debt $25,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $8,864, graduates see a median starting salary of $47,021, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Louisiana.

What salary can Northwestern State Louisiana graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $47,021

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 44.6%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $13,809
Median Salary (6yr) $39,485
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Northwestern State Louisiana in Natchitoches?

5,840 Students

Gender Comparison

28.8% Men
71.2% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

70.4%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
1.4%
Pacific Islander
0.1%
Asian
1%
Black
29.7%
White
53.6%
Unknown
1.5%
Hispanic
6.1%
Two or More Races
4.7%
International
1.9%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 24
🎓
First-Generation 42.4%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 70.7%
🎖️
Veterans 0.3%
💍
Married Students 16.5%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 33.3%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $43,125
Average Family Income $45,349
Median Family Income $30,223

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

39.3%
60.8%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Natchitoches Campus Environment

Located at 175 Sam Sibley Drive, Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Louisiana. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity

Common Questions about Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Is Northwestern State University of Louisiana a good college in Natchitoches, Louisiana?
Northwestern State Louisiana is a recognized institution in Natchitoches with an enrollment of 5,840 students. It is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers a robust ROI for students in Louisiana based on Department of Education data.
Is Northwestern State University of Louisiana worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Northwestern State Louisiana offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $47,021. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Northwestern State University of Louisiana cost for Louisiana residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Northwestern State Louisiana is approximately $8,864. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $19,652. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Northwestern State University of Louisiana after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Northwestern State Louisiana for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 70.7% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Northwestern State University of Louisiana good for Health Professions and Humanities programs?
Northwestern State Louisiana is highly regarded for its Health Professions and Humanities programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
Graduates of Northwestern State Louisiana often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Health Professions. With a median salary of $47,021, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
Northwestern State Louisiana operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Northwestern State University of Louisiana require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Northwestern State Louisiana follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Northwestern State University of Louisiana graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Northwestern State Louisiana earn a median salary of $47,021 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Northwestern State University of Louisiana a good investment compared to other LA colleges?
Northwestern State Louisiana stands out as a high-value investment in Louisiana. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Northwestern State University of Louisiana located and what is the campus like?
Northwestern State Louisiana is located at 175 Sam Sibley Drive in Natchitoches, LA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 5,840 learners.
Who typically attends Northwestern State University of Louisiana in Natchitoches, LA?
The student body at Northwestern State Louisiana is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 42.4% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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