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Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Natchitoches, LA

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

5,840
Total Students
$9K
Tuition (In-State)
$20K
Tuition (Out-State)
$14K
Avg Net Price
94%
Acceptance Rate
45%
Graduation Rate
6-year
70%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Northwestern State University of Louisiana

NSULA: Historic Louisiana institution, pioneering nursing, business, and honors education.

Nestled in Natchitoches, Louisiana, Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA) stands as a beacon of academic innovation and tradition. As a proud member of the University of Louisiana System, NSULA distinguishes itself as the first school in Louisiana to offer degree programs in both nursing and business education, setting a precedent for professional development in the state. With additional campuses in Shreveport, Leesville/Fort Johnson, and Alexandria, NSULA extends its educational reach, particularly through its dedicated nursing campus.

Founded in 1884 as the Louisiana State Normal School, NSULA's rich history is deeply woven into the fabric of Louisiana's educational landscape. What began as a vital institution for teacher preparation evolved through various names—Louisiana State Normal College and Northwestern State College of Louisiana—before proudly achieving university status in 1970. The iconic three white columns on "The Hill," remnants of the historic Bullard mansion, serve as enduring symbols of the university's dedication to learning, now recognized within the National Register of Historic Places as the Normal Hill Historic District.

Academically, NSULA offers an impressive array of over 50 degree programs, catering to diverse student aspirations. The university is home to the Louisiana Scholars' College, the state's designated honors college in the liberal arts and sciences, fostering a vibrant intellectual community. Demonstrating its commitment to cutting-edge research, NSU was also one of the first six colleges to participate in NASA's Joint Venture Program. Outside the classroom, NSULA cultivates a lively student experience with over 70,000 alumni and a strong sense of community, proudly cheering on its athletic teams, the Demons and Lady Demons.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1884 as the Louisiana State Normal School.
  • Pioneered the first degree programs in nursing and business education in Louisiana.
  • Host to the Louisiana Scholars' College, the state's designated honors college in the liberal arts and sciences.
  • One of the first six colleges to participate in NASA's Joint Venture Program.
  • Offers over 50 diverse degree programs across its main campus and satellite locations.
  • Boasts an endowment of $20.8 million (2021) and a student body of 9,389 (2022).
  • Its historic Normal Hill Historic District, featuring the iconic columns, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Timeline

1884
Established as the Louisiana State Normal School.
1921
Renamed Louisiana State Normal College.
1922
Athletic teams officially adopt "Demons" as their name.
1944
Renamed Northwestern State College of Louisiana.
1954
Became the first college under the Louisiana State Board of Education to offer a master's degree.
1970
Achieved university status, becoming Northwestern State University of Louisiana.
1980
Normal Hill Historic District entered the National Register of Historic Places.
1984
Mascot officially named "Vic" the Demon.
2021
Marcus Jones becomes the first African-American President in the university's history.
2024
James T. Genovese appointed President.

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Northwestern State University of Louisiana

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Louisiana Scholars' College

Louisiana's designated honors college in the liberal arts and sciences, offering an enriched academic experience.

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