NSU vs. Memphis

Comparable Facts

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

University of Memphis is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (20,276 students vs. 8,523 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

NSU vs. Memphis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or Memphis? 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 University of Memphis than NSU ($12,756 vs. $13,134).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwestern State University of Louisiana are 3.7% lower than at University of Memphis ($10,926 vs. $11,342).
• University of Memphis is 21% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $1,864 more per year; $10,728.00 vs. $8,864.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.7% higher at NSU than at University of Memphis (about $4,268 more per year; $19,652.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwestern State University of Louisiana than at University of Memphis (93% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern State University of Louisiana students is 2.6% larger than aid received by University of Memphis students ($12,098 vs. $11,793).

NSU vs. Memphis Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU or Memphis? 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 Memphis and NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Memphis (1050) is 40 points higher than at NSU (1010).
• Incoming NSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Memphis (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern State University of Louisiana 866/1163; University of Memphis 915/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern State University of Louisiana 18/24; University of Memphis 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; Memphis - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Memphis Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Memphis students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at NSU (3.3).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (92.5%) than Memphis (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 37.4% at NSU vs. 18.1% at Memphis.

NSU vs. Memphis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and Memphis? 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).

• University of Memphis's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Northwestern State University of Louisiana's (37%).
• Graduates from University of Memphis earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern State University of Louisiana graduates have a $3,719 lower median loan debt than Memphis graduates ($21,531 vs. $25,250).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Memphis graduates ($222 vs. $261).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (46% vs. 37%)

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.