Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a public 4-year college in Natchitoches, Louisiana with 5,519 undergraduates. It admits 93% of applicants, costs an average of $12,842 a year after grants and graduates 44% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana acceptance rate and admissions
Northwestern State University of Louisiana admitted 93% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 448 to 610, math 418 to 553). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26) | $9,370 |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees, out-of-state (2025-26) | $20,158 |
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $11,306 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $25,426 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $12,842 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $12,842 a year after grants and scholarships, $12,584 less than the full cost of attendance. This figure covers in-state students.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students paying in-state tuition, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Northwestern State University of Louisiana's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 44% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $51,238 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $24,875 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 49% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana majors and what graduates earn
Northwestern State University of Louisiana awarded bachelor's degrees in 30 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from nursing ($86,608).
All 30 majors at Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Northwestern State University of Louisiana
17 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 17 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | Master's | 82 | $115,505 | $45,810 |
| Teacher education by grade level | Master's | 42 | $52,067 | $25,412 |
| Nursing | Professional doctorate | 26 | n/a | n/a |
| Kinesiology and exercise science | Master's | 15 | $45,639 | n/a |
| Education leadership | Master's | 14 | $56,457 | n/a |
| Allied health (PA, radiography, therapy and more) | Master's | 14 | $72,151 | $36,724 |
| Teacher education by grade level | Doctoral | 13 | n/a | n/a |
| Homeland security | Master's | 13 | $50,407 | n/a |
| School counseling and student services | Master's | 12 | $49,401 | $43,489 |
| Music | Master's | 12 | n/a | n/a |
| Special education | Master's | 10 | $56,444 | n/a |
| English | Master's | 10 | n/a | n/a |
| Fine and studio arts | Master's | 9 | n/a | n/a |
| Clinical and counseling psychology | Master's | 8 | n/a | n/a |
| Curriculum and Instruction | Master's | 6 | n/a | n/a |
| Information science | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| Education, Other | Master's | 3 | n/a | n/a |
Trade and career programs at Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Certificate and associate programs in the trades we track. One-year earnings are for graduates of 2020-21 and 2021-22, four-year earnings for graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, both in 2024 dollars.
| Program | Credential | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Certificate | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 5,519 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 71% women, 29% men
- 16 students for every faculty member
- Setting: remote town
- Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
Northwestern State University of Louisiana admitted 93% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Northwestern State University of Louisiana cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $9,370 for in-state students and $20,158 for out-of-state students. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $12,842 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 448 to 610 in reading and writing and 418 to 553 in math, and 18 to 24 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Northwestern State University of Louisiana test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Northwestern State University of Louisiana reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
44% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Northwestern State University of Louisiana graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $51,238 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Louisiana · Northwestern State University of Louisiana on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.