About Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Northwestern State University trains teachers and nurses in America's oldest permanent settlement. The 5,840 students study in Natchitoches, a historic Louisiana town where the film "Steel Magnolias" was shot. Nearly 98% of students come from Louisiana, creating a tight-knit community centered around education and healthcare programs. The university accepts 98% of applicants with an average ACT score of 21.
Students pay an average net price of $13,809 after financial aid, while graduates earn a median of $47,021 ten years after graduation. That creates a manageable debt burden with typical monthly loan payments of $265. About 35% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve working-class Louisiana families. The employment rate reaches 95%, showing strong job placement despite the modest graduation rate of 45%.
Women make up 71% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like education and nursing. The Demons compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 10 sports with 349 total athletes. Students live in a town of 18,000 people where the university serves as the economic and cultural center. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in this close community.
Students pay an average net price of $13,809 after financial aid, while graduates earn a median of $47,021 ten years after graduation. That creates a manageable debt burden with typical monthly loan payments of $265. About 35% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve working-class Louisiana families. The employment rate reaches 95%, showing strong job placement despite the modest graduation rate of 45%.
Women make up 71% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like education and nursing. The Demons compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 10 sports with 349 total athletes. Students live in a town of 18,000 people where the university serves as the economic and cultural center. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in this close community.
Academics & Faculty
Northwestern State built its reputation as a teacher preparation powerhouse, with education programs that have trained generations of Louisiana educators. The university also runs well-regarded nursing and health sciences programs that feed into the state's healthcare system. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, professors can provide meaningful mentorship in these hands-on fields. However, the 45% graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face completing their degrees. The school serves a predominantly in-state population, with 98% of students from Louisiana. Academic support varies by program, with education and nursing students receiving more structured guidance through clinical placements and student teaching requirements. The university operates on a semester system across its historic Natchitoches campus.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 69.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 45.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 44.6%
- Retention Rate
- 70.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,021
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $91,152 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,326 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $60,226 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $59,350 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $48,432 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $45,696 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $45,529 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Master | $45,277 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $44,170 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $43,957 |
Campus Life
Northwestern State sits in historic Natchitoches, Louisiana's oldest permanent settlement, about 70 miles southeast of Shreveport. Only 26% of the 5,840 students live in campus housing, creating a commuter-heavy environment where many students drive home on weekends. The student body is 71% female, reflecting the university's strength in education and nursing programs that traditionally attract more women.
Louisiana's humid subtropical climate means you'll need lightweight clothes and good air conditioning more than winter coats. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing, but summers are swelteringly hot and humid. The 916-acre campus sits along the Cane River, offering scenic walking paths and outdoor recreation opportunities. Students often gather at the Student Union or participate in Greek life, though the social scene quiets on weekends when commuters head home. The Generals compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 349 student-athletes across 10 sports, giving the campus some school spirit during football and basketball seasons.
Louisiana's humid subtropical climate means you'll need lightweight clothes and good air conditioning more than winter coats. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing, but summers are swelteringly hot and humid. The 916-acre campus sits along the Cane River, offering scenic walking paths and outdoor recreation opportunities. Students often gather at the Student Union or participate in Greek life, though the social scene quiets on weekends when commuters head home. The Generals compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 349 student-athletes across 10 sports, giving the campus some school spirit during football and basketball seasons.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 1,492 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
37 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 39°–59°F
- July Avg
- 75°–95°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 55.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Northwestern State attracts students who want to stay close to home for their education. Nearly 98% of students come from Louisiana, reflecting the university's role as a regional anchor in north-central Louisiana. Women make up 71% of enrollment, drawn largely to the school's strong teacher education and nursing programs that have long been campus hallmarks. About 35% receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves working-class Louisiana families seeking affordable degrees. The diverse student body is 54% white and 30% Black, mirroring the demographics of rural Louisiana communities that Northwestern State has served for over a century.
- Men
- 28.8%
- Women
- 71.2%
- White
- 53.6%
- Black
- 29.7%
- Hispanic
- 6.1%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 98.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 34.9%
Location
Northwestern State University sits in Natchitoches, Louisiana, about 260 miles northwest of New Orleans and 70 miles south of Shreveport. The campus occupies a remote town setting along the Cane River, where 97.96% of students come from in-state. Natchitoches claims to be Louisiana's oldest permanent settlement, founded in 1714, and the historic downtown area maintains its colonial French architecture. The town of roughly 18,000 residents revolves around the university and tourism from the nearby Cane River National Heritage Area. Students find themselves in classic small-town Louisiana, surrounded by pine forests, plantation homes, and Creole culture rather than urban amenities. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare Northwestern State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Natchitoches, Louisiana 71497-0002
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,021
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,428
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
Northwestern State accepts 97.93% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1045. The university maintains an open-access mission, welcoming students who want to pursue teacher education and nursing programs in the historic town of Natchitoches.
How much does Northwestern State University of Louisiana cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $13,809 annually, with in-state tuition at $8,864. The university keeps costs manageable for Louisiana families, as 97.96% of students come from in-state and many pursue careers in education and healthcare.
What academic programs is Northwestern State University of Louisiana known for?
Northwestern State built its reputation on teacher education and nursing programs, reflecting Louisiana's workforce needs. The university maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio and operates with a semester calendar system in the remote town setting of Natchitoches.
What are the graduation rates at Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
The university has a 44.60% six-year graduation rate and 45.50% four-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $47,021 ten years after graduation, with many entering education and healthcare fields that serve Louisiana communities.
Where do students live at Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
Campus housing accommodates 1,492 students at Northwestern State's 5,840-person enrollment. The university sits in historic Natchitoches, America's oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory, offering a unique small-town college experience.
Is Northwestern State University of Louisiana diverse in its student body?
Women make up 71.16% of Northwestern State's student body, reflecting the university's strength in education and nursing programs. The campus is 53.61% White and 29.67% Black, serving a predominantly Louisiana student population with deep regional roots.
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