Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Public4-year

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Natchitoches, Louisiana Β· Town: RemoteOfficial Website β†—

#3638
Nationally
#52
In Louisiana
94%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$5,180
In-State Tuition
per year
44%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
7,898
Undergrad Enrollment
5,000–9,999
Overall Score & Rankings
43/100
Average
#3638 nationally
#52 in Louisiana
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes44
πŸ’°Affordability50
🎯Selectivity40
πŸ“šAcademic Environment13
πŸ”¬Program Breadth73

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a public four-year university located in Natchitoches, Louisiana. With 7,898 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 94%, the institution is considered accessible. In-state tuition is $5,180 per year ($15,968 out-of-state), significantly below average for public institutions. The six-year graduation rate is 44%, which is average compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate94%↓ Below avg
National avg: 70%
3,194
Applied
2,994
Admitted
1,033
Enrolled
SAT Score Range (Middle 50%)
SAT Reading495 – 620
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
SAT Math430 – 623
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
ACT Score Range (Middle 50%)18 – 24
Cost & Financial Aid
In-State Tuition$5,180/yr
In-State Fees$3,684/yr
Out-of-State Tuition$15,968/yr
Room & Board$11,917/yr
Total CoA (In-State)$20,781/yr
Total CoA (Out-of-State)$31,569/yr
In-State Tuition vs National Avg$5,180↑ Above avg
National avg: $10,662
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate44%↓ Below avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
7,898
Total Undergrads
69% F / 31% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 57%
Hispanic 5%
Black 25%
Asian 1%
Two or more 5%
International 2%
Native / Other 1%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Tuition ($5,180/yr) is well below the national average for public colleges
  • βœ“Open admissions policy (94% acceptance rate) β€” accessible to a wide range of students
  • βœ“Publicly funded institution β€” tuition subsidized by state taxes for in-state residents
Consider
  • Β·Graduation rate of 44% is below the national average β€” research completion support services
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for students seeking an accessible path to a college degree, and in-state students who want a quality education at a subsidized cost.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPublic
LocationNatchitoches, Louisiana
SettingTown: Remote
Size5,000–9,999
State Ranking
#52
in Louisiana out of 7+ colleges
#3638
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.