University of South Alabama vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Alabama is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (14,003 students vs. 8,523 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Alabama is located in Mobile, AL (Midsize City setting); Northwestern State University of Louisiana is in Natchitoches, LA (Remote Town setting).
• University of South Alabama 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: University of South Alabama 19:1; Northwestern State University of Louisiana 16:1.

University of South Alabama vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of South Alabama 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 University of South Alabama ($13,134 vs. $16,074).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwestern State University of Louisiana are 3.9% lower than at University of South Alabama ($10,926 vs. $11,366).
• University of South Alabama is 14.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $1,252 more per year; $10,116.00 vs. $8,864.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.9% higher at NSU than at University of South Alabama (about $560 more per year; $19,652.00 vs. $19,092.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Alabama than at Northwestern State University of Louisiana (96% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern State University of Louisiana students is 29.7% larger than aid received by University of South Alabama students ($12,098 vs. $9,329).

University of South Alabama vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of South Alabama 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 University of South Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Alabama (1080) is 70 points higher than at NSU (1010).
• Incoming University of South Alabama students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at NSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Alabama 970/1190; Northwestern State University of Louisiana 866/1163.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Alabama 20/26; Northwestern State University of Louisiana 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of South Alabama - Test optional; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of South Alabama Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of South Alabama students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at NSU (3.3).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (92.5%) than University of South Alabama (71%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at University of South Alabama vs. 37.4% at NSU.

University of South Alabama vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of South Alabama 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).

• University of South Alabama's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Northwestern State University of Louisiana's (37%).
• Graduates from University of South Alabama earn a median of about $7,100 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern State University of Louisiana graduates have a $2,969 lower median loan debt than University of South Alabama graduates ($21,531 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of South Alabama graduates ($222 vs. $253).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of South Alabama students, three years after graduation. (46% vs. 45%)

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.