Official emblem of Northwestern State University

Northwestern State University

Natchitoches, United States Founded 1884

Overview

English Name: Northwestern State University
Acronyms: NSU, NSULA
Founded: 1884
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Motto: Dedicated to one goal. Yours.
Colours: Purple and white
Mascot: Vic the Demon
Official emblem of Northwestern State University

Established in 1884, the Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the large town of Natchitoches (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Louisiana.

Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 140-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

NSULA also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Below are Northwestern State University's address, location data, and primary contact channels. These are the basics you'll want before scheduling a campus visit or sending a formal admissions enquiry.

Address: 175 Sam Sibley Drive
Postal Code: 71497-0002
Map:
Phone: +1 (318) 357 6011
Fax: +1 (318) 357 4223
Social Media:

Academic Details

Northwestern State University's academic structure, enrolment numbers, and accreditation context are gathered below. Together they describe how the institution operates beyond the surface-level overview.

Total Students: 5,519
Student Enrollment: 10
Academic Staff Range: 500-599
Campus Setting: Rural
Memberships & Networks
University of Louisiana System (UL System) American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Northwestern State University's academic units, organised by type. Recently formed faculties (post-merger or post-split) often have updated curricula and may carry less institutional history than older units.

Unit 9 items
  • College of Business
  • College of Education
  • College of Liberal Arts
  • College of Nursing
  • College of Science and Technology
  • Electronic and Continuing Education
  • Graduate School
  • Louisiana Scholars' College
  • University College

Programs Offered

Search the Northwestern State University programme catalogue or scan it by degree level. The catalogue updates periodically; recently added programmes may not yet appear in some search-engine results.

Bachelor's Degree

31 programmes

Northwestern State University's 31 programmes at this tier lead to a bachelor's qualification, the first full degree most students pursue and the usual prerequisite for master's-level entry.

Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
Music Music
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Dance Performing Arts
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Social Work Social Work
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Psychology, General Psychology
Physical Sciences, General Natural Sciences
History History
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Information Science/Studies Information Systems & Technology
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Mathematics Mathematics
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Biological Sciences
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General Family & Consumer Science
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering

Master's Degree

15 programmes

Northwestern State University lists 15 programmes awarding a master's — the tier where graduates build the specialist credentials many senior and technical roles now expect.

Music Music
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Homeland Security Criminal Law & Justice
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Information Science/Studies Information Systems & Technology
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies

Professional Doctorate

1 programme

These 1 programme make up Northwestern State University's doctoral catalogue, where candidates work closely with supervisors to produce publishable, original research.

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing

Doctorate

1 programme

These 1 programme make up Northwestern State University's doctoral catalogue, where candidates work closely with supervisors to produce publishable, original research.

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching

Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications

23 programmes

These 23 programmes group Northwestern State University's shorter and preparatory qualifications together: associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and foundation courses that suit focused or transitional study.

Geography and Cartography Geography
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other Criminal Law & Justice
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities Health Sciences
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians Agriculture
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General General Engineering

How to apply to Northwestern State University

The standard application path for Northwestern State University, broken into five practical steps with the documents and channels you will need at each stage.

  1. 1
    Find a programme that fits your goals

    Northwestern State University's catalogue includes 71 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Confirm you meet the requirements

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Northwestern State University's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Assemble your application package

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Submit your application

    Submit your completed application through Northwestern State University's official website at www.nsula.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Contact admissions and follow up

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (318) 357 6011. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Northwestern State University

Common questions students ask about Northwestern State University — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.

How old is Northwestern State University?

The institution opened in 1884 (approximately 142 years ago).

Where is Northwestern State University located?

Northwestern State University is located in Natchitoches, United States.

Is Northwestern State University a public or private institution?

Northwestern State University is a public institution.

What is the student enrolment at Northwestern State University?

Student enrolment at Northwestern State University is around 10,000-14,999.

How is Northwestern State University organised academically?

The institution comprises 9 academic units.

Who recognises Northwestern State University?

The institution holds recognition from Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

How do I find Northwestern State University online?

You can find Northwestern State University online at www.nsula.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Below are the highest-ranked universities in the United States — natural comparison points for Northwestern State University. Top institutions in the United States typically have the strongest international recognition and graduate-school placement.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Cross-credit recognition between National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) members reduces friction for students moving between universities. Northwestern State University's membership often eases credit transfer to the institutions below.

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Industry placements and co-op programmes around Northwestern State University draw on the same regional employer base. The nearby universities listed below often compete for similar internship slots.

Where Else to Study Education & Teaching

Industry partnership exclusives on Education & Teaching programmes vary — some the United States institutions hold sponsored chairs, others run rotating industry guest-teaching arrangements.

Universities Often Compared with Northwestern State University

Selectivity rates (acceptance percentage) cluster around Northwestern State University for the peer institutions below. Selectivity is one of the more stable signals of institutional positioning over time.

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