Northwestern State University (c.1884) is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of its students. NSU is proud to be 100% nationally accredited in all of our eligible degree programs. The main campus is located in Natchitoches, Louisiana, but NSU makes it possible for students to take classes at one of its three satellite campuses or at one of its six branch campus sites located throughout Central Louisiana. NSU is also a leader in the delivery of internet-based options. NSU is a friendly, student-oriented university that is “large enough to serve you, but small enough to know you.”
The Community
The Demons Community
There's something for everyone! With over 100 organizations at NSU to choose from, students can get involved. NSU is proud to host 14 NCAA recognized sports, as well as intramurals and club sports. Check out our great "Spirit of Northwestern" marching band. The state-of-the-art Wellness Center (WRAC) makes it easy for students to stay physically fit while remaining involved on campus. Living on campus is easy - just choose one of our great options that we have to offer. Access to computers abounds, with computer labs in all areas of campus and Wi-Fi connection in designated areas.
Carnegie Classification of Institutional Characteristics
Basic Type
Master's Colleges and Universities (larger programs)
Size and Setting
Medium four-year, primarily nonresidential
Enrollment Profile
Very high undergraduate
Undergraduate Profile
Medium full-time four-year, inclusive
Undergraduate Instructional Program
Balanced arts & sciences/professions, some graduate coexistence
Graduate Instructional Program
Postbaccalaureate with arts & sciences (education dominant)
NOTE: Institutional classifications based on the Carnegie 2005 edition.
Student Characteristics (Fall 2008)
| Total Students | 9,111 | |
|---|---|---|
Undergraduate Profile
| Total Undergraduate Students | 8,053 | |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | ||
| Women | 5,448 | 68% |
| Men | 2,605 | 32% |
| Race/Ethnicity | ||
| International | 41 | 1% |
| Race/Ethnicity Not Reported | 450 | 6% |
| African American / Black | 2,298 | 29% |
| American Indian / Alaskan Native | 178 | 2% |
| Asian / Pacific Islander | 75 | 1% |
| Hispanic | 156 | 2% |
| White | 4,855 | 60% |
| Geographic Distribution (Degree-Seeking) | |
|---|---|
| Louisiana | 91% |
| Other US States & Territories | 9% |
| Other Countries | 1% |
| Age (Degree-Seeking) | |
| Average Age | 25 |
| Percent of Undergraduates Age 25 or Older | 32% |
Undergraduate Success and Progress Rate
A 60% four-year success and progress rate means that 60% of students starting in Fall 2002 either graduated or are still enrolled at a higher education institution four years later.
Counts for the Fall 2002 entering class shown in the graph above.
- 1,888 First-Time, Full-Time Students
- 264 Full-Time Transfer Students
Retention of Fall 2007 First-Time, Full-time Students
First-time students in Fall 2007 that returned for their second year: 68%
Costs of Attendance and Financial Aid
Typical Undergraduate Costs per Year without Financial Aid (Full-Time, In-State Students)
Total Typical Cost of Attendance: $13,791
The cost to attend Northwestern State University of Louisiana varies based on the individual circumstances of students and may be reduced through grants and scholarships.
Financial Aid Awarded to Undergraduates
Annual Need-Based Scholarships & Grants
• 40% of 2007-08 Actual full-time undergraduates received need-based grants or scholarships; the average award for the year was $3,627
Annual Need-Based Loans
• 43% of 2007-08 Actual full-time undergraduates received need-based work-study and/or loans (not including parent loans); the average loan for the year was $3,879
Percent of 2007-08 First-Time Students Receiving Each Type of Financial Aid
NOTE: Students may receive aid from more than one source.
Academic Preparation of New Freshmen
Test(s) Required for Admission: SAT or ACT recommended
| Middle 50% of Test Score Range | ACT | SAT |
|---|---|---|
| Composite | 18 - 23 | |
| Math | 17 - 23 | 440 - 550 |
| English | 19 - 24 | |
| Critical Reading | 420 - 533 |
50% of admitted students have test scores within the ranges listed, 25% have scores above, and 25% have scores below.
| High School Background | ||
|---|---|---|
| Percent in top 25% of High School Graduating Class | 38% | |
| Percent in top 50% of High School Graduating Class | 71% | |
| Percent of New Freshmen who submitted HS Class Rank | 94% | |
| Average High School GPA (4-point scale) | 3.15 | |
| Percent who submitted High School GPA | 96% | |
Study At NSUL
| Classroom Environment | |
|---|---|
| Students per Faculty | 16 to 1 |
| Undergraduate classes with fewer than 30 students | 74% |
| Undergraduate classes with fewer than 50 students | 91% |
| Full-Time Instructional Faculty | |
|---|---|
| Total Faculty | 334 |
| % Women | 53% |
| % from Minority Groups | 7% |
| % with Highest Degree in Field | 59% |
Campus Safety
NSU views student safety as a partnership between the university and students. As partners, students should take personal responsibility for their safety. NSU has Certified Police Officers, a student escort service, and emergency call boxes. Future use of emergency text messaging and warning sirens is planned.
Degrees and Areas of Study
| Degrees awarded at Northwestern State University of Louisiana in 2007-08 | |
|---|---|
| Associate's | 238 |
| Bachelor's | 1,098 |
| Master's | 286 |
| Total | 1,622 |
| Areas of study with the largest number of bachelors degrees awarded in 2007-08 | |
|---|---|
| Nursing | 26% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 22% |
| Psychology, General | 11% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 10% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 6% |
Student Experiences and Perceptions
Institutions participating in the VSA program measure student involvement on campus using one of four national surveys. Results from the one survey are reported for a common set of questions selected as part of VSA. Following are the selected results from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). The questions have been grouped together in categories that are known to contribute to student learning and development. The results reported below are based on the responses of seniors who participated in the survey.
Group Learning Experiences
- 81% percent of seniors worked with classmates on assignments outside of class.
- 49% of seniors tutored or taught other students
- 19% of seniors spent at least 6 hours per week participating in co-curricular activities such as student organizations and intramural sports
Active Learning Experiences
- 83% of seniors spent at least 6 hours per week preparing for class
- 12% of seniors worked on a research project with a faculty member
- 39% of seniors participated in an internship, practicum, or field experience
- 44% of seniors participated in community service or volunteer work
- 6% of seniors participated in study abroad
- 83% of seniors made at least one class presentation last year
Institutional Commitment to Student Learning and Success
- 93% of seniors believe this institution provides support for student success
- 72% of seniors rated the quality of academic advising at this institution as good or excellent
- 63% of seniors reported that this institution provided help in coping with work, family and other non-academic responsibilities
- 95% of seniors reported working harder than they thought they could to meet an instructor's standards or expectations
Student Interaction with Campus Faculty and Staff
- 59% of seniors believed that the campus staff were helpful, considerate, or flexible
- 75% of seniors believed that faculty are available, helpful, or sympathetic
- 97% of seniors reported that faculty members provided prompt feedback on their academic performance
- 67% of seniors discussed readings or ideas with faculty members outside of class
Experiences with Diverse Groups of People and Ideas
- 63% of seniors reported that they often tried to understand someone else's point of view
- 82% of seniors reported their experience at this institution contributed to their understanding people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds
- 55% of seniors often had serious conversations with students of a different race or ethnicity
Student Satisfaction
- 78% of seniors would attend this institution if they started over again
- 83% of seniors rated their entire educational experience as good or excellent
- 76% of seniors reported that other students were friendly or supportive
Student Learning Assessment at Northwestern State University of Louisiana
All colleges and universities use multiple approaches to measure student learning. Many of these are specific to particular disciplines, many are coordinated with accrediting agencies, and many are based on outcomes after students have graduated.
Pilot Project to Measure Core Learning Outcomes
Colleges and universities participating in the College Portrait measure the typical improvement in students' abilities to think, reason, and write using one of three tests. This is part of a pilot project to better understand and compare what students learn between their freshman and senior years at different colleges and universities.
Northwestern State University is currently reviewing evaluation instruments in which to assess student learning outcomes. A decision will be made in academic year 2009-2010.