Henderson State University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, AR with Northwestern State University of Louisiana in Natchitoches, LA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwestern State University of Louisiana is larger than Henderson State University based on total student enrollment (8,523 students vs. 2,055 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Henderson State University is located in Arkadelphia, AR (Distant Town setting); Northwestern State University of Louisiana is in Natchitoches, LA (Remote Town setting).
• Henderson State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Henderson State University 14:1; Northwestern State University of Louisiana 16:1.

Henderson State University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Henderson State University or NSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Northwestern State University of Louisiana than Henderson State University ($13,134 vs. $20,444).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Henderson State University are 8.5% lower than at Northwestern State University of Louisiana ($10,000 vs. $10,926).
• Northwestern State University of Louisiana is 7.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Henderson State University (about $620 more per year; $8,864.00 vs. $8,244.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 85% higher at NSU than at Henderson State University (about $9,032 more per year; $19,652.00 vs. $10,620.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Henderson State University than at Northwestern State University of Louisiana (98% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern State University of Louisiana students is 53.8% larger than aid received by Henderson State University students ($12,098 vs. $7,867).

Henderson State University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Henderson State University or NSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between NSU and Henderson State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwestern State University of Louisiana (1010) is 20 points higher than at Henderson State University (990).
• Incoming NSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at Henderson State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Henderson State University 903/1073; Northwestern State University of Louisiana 866/1163.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Henderson State University 16/21; Northwestern State University of Louisiana 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Henderson State University - Not reported; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Henderson State University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NSU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Henderson State University (3.23).

Henderson State University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Henderson State University and NSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Northwestern State University of Louisiana's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Henderson State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Henderson State University earn a median of about $300 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Henderson State University graduates have a $2,031 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($19,500 vs. $21,531).
• Among borrowers, Henderson State University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($201 vs. $222).
• More Henderson State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (48% vs. 46%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.