NSU vs. Jackson State University

Comparable Facts

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

Northwestern State University of Louisiana is larger than Jackson State University based on total student enrollment (8,523 students vs. 6,326 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

NSU vs. Jackson State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or Jackson State University? 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 Jackson State University ($13,134 vs. $23,450).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwestern State University of Louisiana are 23.8% lower than at Jackson State University ($10,926 vs. $14,341).
• Jackson State University is 1.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $101 more per year; $8,965.00 vs. $8,864.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.2% higher at NSU than at Jackson State University (about $7,687 more per year; $19,652.00 vs. $11,965.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwestern State University of Louisiana than at Jackson State University (93% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern State University of Louisiana students is 44.3% larger than aid received by Jackson State University students ($12,098 vs. $8,386).

NSU vs. Jackson State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU or Jackson State University? 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 Jackson State University and NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwestern State University of Louisiana (1010) is 60 points higher than at Jackson State University (950).
• Incoming NSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at Jackson State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern State University of Louisiana 866/1163; Jackson State University 820/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern State University of Louisiana 18/24; Jackson State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; Jackson State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jackson State University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NSU students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Jackson State University (3.1).
• Jackson State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.1%) than NSU (92.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 37.4% at NSU vs. 6.6% at Jackson State University.

NSU vs. Jackson State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and Jackson State University? 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).

• Jackson State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Northwestern State University of Louisiana's (37%).
• Graduates from Northwestern State University of Louisiana earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than Jackson State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,100 vs. $32,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern State University of Louisiana graduates have a $7,469 lower median loan debt than Jackson State University graduates ($21,531 vs. $29,000).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $77 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Jackson State University graduates ($222 vs. $299).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Jackson State University students, three years after graduation. (46% vs. 36%)

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.