Northwestern State University's published cost of attendance totals $24,496 per year, including $19,652 in out-of-state tuition (or $8,864 for Louisiana residents), $10,617 for room and board, and $1,300 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $13,809 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,687 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $25,431 |
| Tuition and Fees | $19,652 |
| Room and Board | $10,926 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,353 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$11,825 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $13,606 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $11,693 |
| $30–48k | $12,261 |
| $48–75k | $12,549 |
| $75–110k | $17,777 |
| $110k+ | $19,077 |
Northwestern State University's published cost of attendance totals $24,496 per year, including $19,652 in out-of-state tuition (or $8,864 for Louisiana residents), $10,617 for room and board, and $1,300 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $13,809 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,687 from the sticker price. This net price sits slightly above the peer median of $14,093, though the $284 difference is relatively modest.
Northwestern State's in-state tuition advantage makes the university particularly accessible for Louisiana residents, who benefit from significantly reduced base costs before financial aid calculations. The substantial gap between published costs and actual net price demonstrates the university's commitment to affordability through financial aid programs. Net prices vary considerably by family income, ranging from $12,129 for families earning under $30,000 to $18,107 for those earning over $110,000, showing progressive aid distribution that supports lower-income families while remaining accessible for middle-class students.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Northwestern State graduates carry a median debt load of $25,000, which falls below the peer median of $21,105 by $3,895, indicating controlled borrowing relative to similar institutions. Student debt spans from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $25,000 at the 75th percentile, showing that half of borrowers graduate with between $5,500 and $25,000 in loans.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 means graduates typically owe about 53 cents for every dollar of annual income, which represents manageable leverage for most career paths. Parent PLUS loans average $9,500 with monthly payments of $125, providing additional context on family borrowing patterns.
The university's debt levels rank at the 28th percentile nationally, indicating below-average debt burdens despite median earnings that also fall below national averages. This combination suggests that Northwestern State successfully controls educational costs while providing access to students who might otherwise accumulate higher debt loads at more expensive institutions.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Northwestern State delivers strong value through earnings that exceed expectations by $5,233, ranking at the 74.5th percentile for value-added performance nationally. This achievement is particularly notable given median earnings of $47,021 that rank at the 32nd percentile, showing the university serves students who face statistical headwinds but still achieve meaningful career outcomes.
The combination of controlled debt ($3,895 below peer median) and positive earnings performance creates favorable investment dynamics. Northwestern State's debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 supports sustainable repayment for most graduates, particularly those entering stable career fields like nursing and health sciences.
The university's return index performance at the 53.1st percentile reflects typical outcomes relative to educational investment, while the strong value-added performance indicates institutional effectiveness in advancing student outcomes. For students prioritizing access and affordability over prestige, Northwestern State represents solid educational value with manageable financial risk.
Northwestern State enrolls 34.9% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial service to lower-income families who receive federal grants based on financial need. The $10,687 average savings from financial aid demonstrates effective aid packaging that makes college affordable for diverse income levels.
The university's progressive pricing structure, with net costs under $12,500 for families earning less than $48,000, shows institutional commitment to access. Net price differences across income tiers suggest that Northwestern State uses a combination of federal, state, and institutional aid to support students from various economic backgrounds.
The modest gap between the university's net price and peer median indicates competitive affordability within the regional public university sector, while maintaining stronger aid support for lower-income students who comprise more than one-third of the student body.
