About

About Northwestern State University of Louisiana

open access admissionsnursing and health focusmasters level programs

Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a public university in Natchitoches, LA, known for its open access admissions, nursing and health focus, and masters level programs. With an acceptance rate of 98%, Northwestern State is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 1,020 students each year. Northwestern State is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1425–1135, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Northwestern State offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $8,410 per year; the sticker price of $35,879 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Northwestern State University of Louisiana acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

98%
Overall Accept Rate
3.25
Typical Admitted GPA
1280
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1425 – 1135 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Application Strategy
Northwestern State accepts nearly all applicants, so your main focus should be submitting a complete application as early as possible to secure your spot in housing and access priority registration for classes.
Application Strategy
Northwestern State offers distinctive programs in nursing, criminal justice, and its Louisiana Scholars College honors track, so identify which specific program you want to enter and mention it by name in your application materials to show you have a clear purpose for enrolling.

Financial Aid & Cost

What Northwestern State University of Louisiana actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$36k/yr$11.7k
30k-48k~$36k/yr$12.3k
48k-75k~$36k/yr$12.5k
75k-110k~$36k/yr$17.8k
110k+~$36k/yr$19.1k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

45%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$39k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
19:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
7,223
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

53%White
29%Black / African American
6%Hispanic
5%Two or More Races
2%International
2%Unknown / Unreported
1%American Indian / AK Native
1%Asian
0%Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
Gender29% Men · 71% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status98% Citizens and Immigrants · 2% International