LSU vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

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

Louisiana State University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (41,705 students vs. 8,523 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Louisiana State University is located in Baton Rouge, LA (Rural Fringe setting); Northwestern State University of Louisiana is in Natchitoches, LA (Remote Town setting).
• Louisiana 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: Louisiana State University 21:1; Northwestern State University of Louisiana 16:1.

LSU vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, LSU 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 LSU ($13,134 vs. $21,430).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwestern State University of Louisiana are 27.8% lower than at Louisiana State University ($10,926 vs. $15,142).
• Louisiana State University is 34.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $3,090 more per year; $11,954.00 vs. $8,864.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.7% higher at LSU than at Northwestern State University of Louisiana (about $8,979 more per year; $28,631.00 vs. $19,652.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwestern State University of Louisiana than at Louisiana State University (93% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Louisiana State University students is 16.5% larger than aid received by Northwestern State University of Louisiana students ($14,094 vs. $12,098).

LSU vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, LSU 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 LSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Louisiana State University (1260) is 250 points higher than at NSU (1010).
• Incoming LSU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 21 at NSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 1180/1340; Northwestern State University of Louisiana 866/1163.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 24/30; Northwestern State University of Louisiana 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: LSU - Test optional; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: LSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman LSU students have a 0.47 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at NSU (3.3).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (92.5%) than LSU (73.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23% at LSU vs. 37.4% at NSU.

LSU vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for LSU 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).

• Louisiana State University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Northwestern State University of Louisiana's (37%).
• Graduates from Louisiana State University earn a median of about $18,800 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Louisiana State University graduates have a $631 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($20,900 vs. $21,531).
• Among borrowers, LSU graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($216 vs. $222).
• More LSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.