Students at Northwestern State University benefit from exceptional affordability that makes higher education accessible to families across all income levels, with particularly strong value for low-income students.
The university delivers earnings beyond expectations for graduates, demonstrating meaningful educational value despite modest absolute earnings levels.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana provides a practical, affordable path to higher education in the heart of Louisiana. While the university doesn't rank among the top tier nationally for overall outcomes, it serves an important role as an accessible institution that helps students from diverse backgrounds achieve meaningful economic progress. About 35% of students receive Pell Grants and 42% are first-generation college students, reflecting the university's commitment to serving working-class families throughout the region.
The university's greatest strength lies in specific program areas, particularly nursing, where graduates achieve exceptional earnings outcomes that rival those at much more expensive institutions. Northwestern State's nursing program produces 258 graduates annually who earn a median of $63,326 ten years after graduation, demonstrating the university's ability to deliver strong returns in high-demand fields. This targeted excellence, combined with net prices that remain well below national averages across all income levels, makes Northwestern State a practical choice for students seeking career-focused education.
As a medium-sized public university in Natchitoches, Northwestern State offers the personal attention of a smaller institution while maintaining the resources and program breadth of a comprehensive university. For families prioritizing affordability and career preparation over rankings, the university provides a reliable foundation for economic mobility, particularly for students willing to focus on the institution's strongest program areas.
Northwestern State University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a comprehensive regional university, with particular strength in health sciences and professional fields. The Adult Health Nursing program stands as the university's crown jewel, graduating 258 students annually who achieve median earnings of $63,326—outcomes that rival nursing programs at much more selective and expensive institutions. This program alone generates over $16 million in aggregate return, demonstrating the university's ability to deliver exceptional value in high-demand fields.
Information Science represents another area of strength, with 28 graduates earning around $59,350 and strong prospects in the growing technology sector. These technical programs showcase Northwestern State's ability to prepare students for well-paying careers in fields with regional and national demand. However, the university's outcomes vary significantly by program choice, with General Studies graduates earning $29,852 and some specialized fields like Forensic Social Work showing more limited earning potential at $22,329.
For prospective students, program selection becomes crucial to maximizing Northwestern State's value proposition. The university excels in career-focused fields with clear professional pathways, particularly in health sciences and technology. Students choosing these programs can achieve excellent returns on their educational investment, while those in more general or specialized liberal arts fields may find more modest financial outcomes despite the university's overall affordability advantage.
Northwestern State University graduates earn a median of $47,021 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the lower tier nationally for earnings outcomes. However, graduates do achieve earnings beyond expectations compared with similar students at other institutions, earning about $5,233 more than predicted based on their backgrounds and the university's characteristics. This earnings advantage suggests that Northwestern State provides meaningful value despite its modest absolute earnings levels.
The university's return story varies dramatically by field of study. Nursing stands out as Northwestern State's flagship program, with 258 graduates earning a median of $63,326 ten years out—substantially higher than the institutional average and competitive with nursing programs at much more selective universities. Information Science graduates also perform well, earning around $59,350 with strong early-career prospects. However, students in General Studies, the university's second-largest program with 152 graduates, see more modest outcomes at $29,852, while some fields like Forensic Social Work show earnings of just $22,329.
For students choosing Northwestern State, program selection becomes crucial to maximizing return on investment. The university's strength in nursing and select technical fields can deliver excellent outcomes, but students in liberal arts or general programs may find more limited earning potential. The key is aligning academic choices with the university's areas of demonstrated strength in the regional job market.
Decomposes the earnings-above-expectation score into program mix, labor market alignment, and the remaining institutional residual.
Negative program contribution values reflect how the school's mix compares with the model, not that the school is weak in that field.
Northwestern State University offers strong affordability across all income levels, making higher education accessible to families throughout Louisiana and beyond. Low-income students pay an average net price of $12,129 annually, well below the national average for public universities. Middle-income families see costs around $14,216 per year, while even higher-income students pay just $18,107—a predictable and reasonable price point that helps families plan for the full cost of a degree.
Debt levels remain manageable for most Northwestern State graduates. Typical students leave with about $25,000 in federal loan debt, a moderate amount that aligns with the university's focus on affordability. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $9,500, reflecting the university's success in keeping family borrowing to reasonable levels. With a 0% federal loan default rate, Northwestern State demonstrates that its graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations after graduation.
The combination of low net prices and manageable debt creates a sustainable financial model for most families. Even with the university's modest median earnings, the debt-to-income ratios remain within reasonable bounds, particularly for students who choose high-return programs like nursing. This affordability advantage makes Northwestern State an attractive option for cost-conscious families seeking a reliable path to a college degree without excessive financial risk.
Northwestern State University Of Louisiana Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
