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Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Set along the Cane River in a historic Louisiana town, Northwestern State University of Louisiana mixes brick walks with modern labs and studios. It's known for hands on learning in health and human services, teacher preparation, the arts, and business and technology. Students use a central library, tutoring and writing support, advising and counseling, a rec center, and a career office that helps them pursue internships and experience.

Campus culture is friendly and down to earth, with active clubs, intramurals, and time outdoors by the river. Demon spirit shows on game days and during town traditions, especially the holiday lights along the riverfront. Natchitoches adds small town perks from festivals to classic meat pies, plus chances to intern with schools and hospitals. Graduates leave with connections, and alumni include Joe Delaney.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location
175 Sam Sibley Drive, Natchitoches, Louisiana, 71497, USA
Website
nsula.edu
Unit ID
160038

Academic & Institutional

Control
Public institution (funded by state or local government)
Accreditation
SACSCOC
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
Doctorate (P)
Other Award
Campus Setting
Located in a remote town (35+ miles from urbanized area)
Carnegie Classification
Master's - Large programs
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$8,864
Tuition $5,180 + Fee $3,684
Out-of-State
$19,652
Tuition $15,968 + Fee $3,684
Student Profile
Total Students 8,847
Undergraduate 5,840
Graduate/Other 3,007
Male: 2,679 Female: 6,168
Applications
Total Applicants 3,194
Admitted 2,994
Enrolled 1,033
Acceptance: 93.7% Yield: 34.5%
Staff
Total Staff 889
Full-time 733
Part-time 156
Full-time: 82.5% Part-time: 17.5%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA) offers 61 degree programs across 20 major academic fields, graduating approximately 1,932 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Health (9 programs, 645 graduates), Liberal Arts (2 programs, 346 graduates), Education (19 programs, 192 graduates), Business (4 programs, 149 graduates) and Psychology (2 programs, 128 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Health (9 programs, 645 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Registered Nursing 501
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
51.3801
Radiologic Technology 96
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
51.0911
Nursing Practice 26
Doctorate (P)
51.3818
Substance Abuse Counseling 11
Bachelor's
51.1501
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology 4
Other Award
51.0920
Cardiovascular Technology 3
Other Award
51.0901
Family Practice Nursing 2
Post-Master's
51.3805
Health Humanities 1
Other Award
51.3204
Geriatric Nursing 1
Post-Master's
51.3821
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 346 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Studies 321
Associate's
Bachelor's
24.0102
Liberal Arts and Sciences 25
Bachelor's
24.0101
Education (19 programs, 192 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Adult and Continuing Education 29
Master's
Doctorate (R)
13.1201
Special Education Teaching 28
Postbac Cert.
Master's
13.1001
Elementary Education 22
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
13.1202
Educational Leadership and Administration 19
Master's
Post-Master's
13.0401
Music Teacher Education 15
Bachelor's
13.1312
Secondary Education and Teaching 14
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
13.1205
Middle School Education and Teaching 12
Postbac Cert.
Master's
13.1203
School Library Media Specialist 10
Postbac Cert.
13.1334
College Student Counseling and Personnel Services 7
Master's
13.1102
Curriculum and Instruction 6
Master's
13.0301
Teacher Education and Professional Development 6
Master's
13.1299
Gifted and Talented Education 5
Postbac Cert.
13.1004
School Counseling and Guidance 5
Master's
13.1101
Early Childhood Education 4
Bachelor's
Master's
13.1210
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching 3
Postbac Cert.
Post-Master's
13.1401
Education, General 3
Master's
13.9999
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching 2
Bachelor's
13.1314
Early Childhood Special Education Teaching 1
Postbac Cert.
13.1015
Computer Teacher Education 1
Postbac Cert.
13.1321
Business (4 programs, 149 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Business Administration and Management 92
Bachelor's
52.0201
Accounting 37
Bachelor's
52.0301
Hospitality Management 19
Bachelor's
52.0901
Project Management 1
Postbac Cert.
52.0211
Psychology (2 programs, 128 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Psychology 120
Bachelor's
42.0101
Clinical Psychology 8
Master's
42.2801
Arts (6 programs, 73 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Music Performance 28
Bachelor's
Master's
50.0903
Theatre Arts 15
Bachelor's
50.0501
Studio Arts, General 14
Bachelor's
50.0702
Art Studies 9
Master's
50.0701
Musical Theatre 4
Bachelor's
50.0509
Dance 3
Bachelor's
50.0301
Security & Safety (2 programs, 69 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Criminal Justice and Safety Studies 56
Bachelor's
43.0104
Homeland Security 13
Master's
43.0301
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 66 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Biology and Biological Sciences 60
Bachelor's
26.0101
Microbiology 6
Bachelor's
26.0502
Human Sciences (1 programs, 46 graduates)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Human Development and Family Studies 46
Bachelor's
19.0701
Public Services (1 programs, 43 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Social Work 43
Bachelor's
44.0701

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA).

Application Requirements

Secondary School GPA
Required
Secondary School Rank
Neither required nor recommended
Secondary School Record
Required
College Preparatory Program
Required
Recommendations
Neither required nor recommended
Formal Demonstration of Competencies
Neither required nor recommended
English Proficiency Test (TOEFL)
Required
Personal Statement or Essay
Neither required nor recommended
Standardized Test Scores
SAT Scores
The SAT is a standardized college admission test measuring reading, writing, and math skills. Scores range from 400-1600 (combined Evidence-Based Reading & Writing + Math sections).
Composite Score Range
925 - 1243
25th-75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 495 - 620
Median: 545
Math 430 - 623
Median: 545
ACT Scores
The ACT is a standardized test for college admissions assessing English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Scores range from 1-36 (composite of all sections).
Composite Score Range
18 - 24
25th-75th percentile
English 18 - 25
Median: 21
Math 16 - 23
Median: 19

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$26,705
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$37,493
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$8,864
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$19,652
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$10,617 (on) / $11,337 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,300
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$5,924
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$5,924
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$9,758
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$20,546
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

12%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$11,220
Avg. Loan
$6,044
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,392
Additional
Students with Any Grant
915
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
481
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
534
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$5,314
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

45%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
70%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$29,131 – $67,829
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$29,131 (25th %) $67,829 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $47,021
Median Salary After 6 Years
$39,485
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$47,021
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
62.0%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
73.6%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$25,000
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 54.5%
Middle 66.5%
High 76.0%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 65.3%
Independent 57.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA)

How much does it cost to attend Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA)?

The annual tuition at Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA) is $8,864 for in-state students and $19,652 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $26,705 for in-state students and $37,493 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $10,617 (on) / $11,337 (off) and books and supplies $1,300.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Northwestern State University of Louisiana offer?

Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA) offers 61 academic programs across 20 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Professional), Other Award.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (9 programs)
  • Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (2 programs)
  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (19 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (4 programs)
  • Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (2 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Northwestern State University of Louisiana?

Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA) has an 93.7% acceptance rate and a 34.5% yield rate, making it moderately selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 3,194
  • Students admitted: 2,994
  • Students enrolled: 1,033

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Northwestern State University of Louisiana?

Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA) provides financial aid to 12% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $11,220 and average loans of $6,044.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,606
  • State/Local grants: $4,620
  • Institutional grants: $5,314
  • Federal loans: $5,392

The university supports 915 students with grants and 481 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Northwestern State University of Louisiana graduates?

Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA) graduates earn a median salary of $39,485 after 6 years and $47,021 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $29,131 (25th percentile) to $67,829 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $72,900 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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