NSU vs. University of St Thomas

Comparable Facts

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

Northwestern State University of Louisiana is larger than University of St Thomas based on total student enrollment (8,523 students vs. 4,301 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

NSU vs. University of St Thomas Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or University of St Thomas? 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 University of St Thomas ($13,134 vs. $20,599).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of St Thomas are 0.8% lower than at Northwestern State University of Louisiana ($10,840 vs. $10,926).
• University of St Thomas is 290.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $25,770 more per year; $34,634.00 vs. $8,864.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 76.2% higher at University of St Thomas than at Northwestern State University of Louisiana (about $14,982 more per year; $34,634.00 vs. $19,652.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northwestern State University of Louisiana as at University of St Thomas (93% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of St Thomas students is 105.8% larger than aid received by Northwestern State University of Louisiana students ($24,902 vs. $12,098).

NSU vs. University of St Thomas Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU or University of St Thomas? 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 University of St Thomas and NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of St Thomas (1100) is 90 points higher than at NSU (1010).
• Incoming NSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at University of St Thomas (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern State University of Louisiana 866/1163; University of St Thomas 980/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern State University of Louisiana 18/24; University of St Thomas 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; University of St Thomas - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of St Thomas Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of St Thomas students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at NSU (3.3).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (92.5%) than University of St Thomas (89.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 37.4% at NSU vs. 29.7% at University of St Thomas.

NSU vs. University of St Thomas Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and University of St Thomas? 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 St Thomas's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Northwestern State University of Louisiana's (37%).
• Graduates from University of St Thomas earn a median of about $19,100 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,200 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern State University of Louisiana graduates have a $469 lower median loan debt than University of St Thomas graduates ($21,531 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of St Thomas graduates ($222 vs. $227).
• More University of St Thomas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.