Official emblem of Northwestern State University

Northwestern State University

Natchitoches, United States • Founded 1884

Updated Jun 2026 · Source: nsula.edu

Overview

English Name: Northwestern State University
Acronyms: NSU, NSULA
Founded: 1884
Institution Type: University
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

Geographic and contact information for Northwestern State University is listed below.

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

Academic Details

The numbers behind Northwestern State University: student body, academic staff, and recognising bodies.

Recognition: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Total Students: 5,519
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 structure — schools, colleges, and divisions — is listed below.

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

Below are Northwestern State University's active programmes, grouped by degree level, with search.

71 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 31 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Bachelor's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Law & Justice
Bachelor's Degree in Dance
Performing Arts
Bachelor's Degree in Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Performing Arts
Bachelor's Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians
General Engineering
Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature, General
English Language Studies

Showing 10 of 31.

Master's Degree 15 programmes

Master's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Master's Degree in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction
Education & Teaching
Master's Degree in Education, Other
Education & Teaching
Master's Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership
Master's Degree in English Language and Literature, General
English Language Studies
Master's Degree in Fine and Studio Arts
Visual Arts
Master's Degree in Homeland Security
Criminal Law & Justice
Master's Degree in Information Science/Studies
Information Systems & Technology
Master's Degree in Music
Music

Showing 10 of 15.

Doctorate 1 programme

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

Professional Doctorate 1 programme

Professional Doctorate in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing

Associate's Degree 5 programmes

Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Law & Justice
Associate's Degree in Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General
General Engineering
Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Liberal Arts
Associate's Degree in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing
Associate's Degree in Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians
Agriculture

Certificate 6 programmes

Certificate in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Certificate in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Certificate in Geography and Cartography
Geography
Certificate in Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities
Health Sciences
Certificate in Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
Operations Management
Certificate in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
Public Relations

Postgraduate Certificate 12 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership
Postgraduate Certificate in Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
Criminal Law & Justice
Postgraduate Certificate in Management Information Systems and Services
IT Management
Postgraduate Certificate in Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians
General Engineering
Postgraduate Certificate in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing
Postgraduate Certificate in Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
English Language Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in Special Education and Teaching
Special Education
Postgraduate Certificate in Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Education & Teaching

Showing 10 of 12.

How to apply to Northwestern State University

Five steps that capture how applications to Northwestern State University flow.

  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

Concise answers to common questions about Northwestern State University.

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 5,519.

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.

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Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

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