Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 45.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 44.6%
- Retention Rate
- 70.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $47,021
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $91,152 | $41,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,326 | $22,175 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $60,226 | $23,250 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $59,350 | $26,125 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $48,432 | $34,934 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $45,696 | $25,250 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $45,529 | $19,282 |
| 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 | $21,500 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $43,798 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $43,277 | $35,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $40,945 | $27,462 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $40,281 | $42,395 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $39,214 | $19,731 |
Outcomes Overview
Northwestern State graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $25,000 and earn $47,021 ten years after graduation. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 53%, which is reasonable for a regional public university. Monthly loan payments of $265 consume about 6.8% of typical graduate income. The 94.7% employment rate reflects strong job placement, particularly for education and nursing majors who dominate the student body. Many graduates find work in Louisiana's public schools and healthcare systems, where starting salaries align with the state's cost of living. Women comprise 71% of students, typical for teaching-focused institutions. Northwestern State offers an average return on investment for students seeking stable careers in education and healthcare.