Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Campus Identity
Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a mid-size public university in Natchitoches, LA. Approximately 5,519 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 93% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Black Lake, just 9 miles from the water. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 46/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a mid-size public university in Natchitoches, LA. Approximately 5,519 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 93% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Black Lake, just 9 miles from the water. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 46/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Campus Lifestyle
Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a 5,000–9,999, small-town school with NCAA D1 athletics. The campus is 489 miles from Hidden Valley Ski Area.
Athletics
NCAA D1
Southland
School Size & Setting
5,000–9,999
Town setting
Weather
Hot Climate
63°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Northwestern State University of Louisiana students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Hidden Valley Ski Area, 489 miles away with 7 lifts and 30 skiable acres. All are within 678 miles of campus.
Missouri
Missouri
Illinois
Lake Life Campus
Black Lake is 9 miles from campus, making it a true lake-life school, giving Northwestern State University of Louisiana students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Black Lake
Lake access within 8.6 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Natchitoches, LA
Natchitoches has a warm climate, with winters averaging 50°F in Jan and summers peaking around 86°F in Jul.
Station: NATCHITOCHES · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Northwestern State University of Louisiana in LA earns a composite safety score of 46/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $8,864 | $19,652 |
| Fees | $3,492 | $3,492 |
| Room & Board | $11,150 | $11,150 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $23,506 | $34,294 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
73 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Northwestern State University of Louisiana located?
Northwestern State University of Louisiana is located in Natchitoches, LA. The main campus address is 175 Sam Sibley Drive, Natchitoches, LA. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
Northwestern State University of Louisiana has an acceptance rate of 93%, making it accessible. Out of 3,015 applicants, 2,790 were admitted in the most recent year. 5,519 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at Northwestern State University of Louisiana scored between 18 and 24 on the ACT, with a median of 21. About 85% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Northwestern State University of Louisiana charges $8,864/year for in-state students and $19,652/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($11,150/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $19,460/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $13,606/year — what students actually pay. Use Northwestern State University of Louisiana's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
The undergraduate application fee at Northwestern State University of Louisiana is $20. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does Northwestern State University of Louisiana have college sports?
Yes — Northwestern State University of Louisiana competes at the NCAA D1 level in the Southland. As a Division I program, they compete at the highest level of college athletics, which often includes scholarships and nationally broadcast games.
Is Northwestern State University of Louisiana the right fit for me?
Whether Northwestern State University of Louisiana is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (93% admit rate), avg net price ($13,606/year after aid), campus culture in Natchitoches, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Northwestern State University of Louisiana against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Northwestern State University of Louisiana directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Natchitoches, LA
- Size
- 5,000–9,999
- Degrees Offered
- Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Certificates
- NCAA
- NCAA D1
- Conference
- Southland
- School Year Weather
- Hot · 63°F avg
- App Fee
- $20
- On Campus Safety Score
- 46/100
- Nearest Airport
- Alexandria, LA (AEX) · 44 mialso POE (49 mi), ESF (53 mi)
Location
Natchitoches, LA