What Northwestern State University of Louisiana is like

What it's like

Northwestern State is a regional public university with deep historical roots—founded in 1884 as Louisiana's oldest continually occupied site of higher learning. The campus centers on tradition, with iconic white columns serving as unofficial symbols and a strong identity around Demon pride. Fall 2023 enrollment was around 8,800 students across multiple campuses (Natchitoches, Shreveport, Alexandria, Leesville). The university emphasizes affordability and career-focused education, with a welcoming admissions process and support for both traditional and non-traditional students.

Academic feel

NSU offers over 50 degree programs spanning certificates, associate, bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The university hosts the Louisiana Scholars' College, Louisiana's designated honors college in liberal arts and sciences, and co-hosts the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts on campus. The institution was one of the first six colleges to participate in NASA's Joint Venture Program, with students contributing to research for the 1996 Space Shuttle Columbia mission. First-time freshmen have a median ACT composite score of 21 (25th–75th percentile: 18–24) and average high school GPA of 3.4. The six-year graduation rate for the 2017 cohort was 44%, with variation by aid status. Transfer students are actively admitted with rolling admissions, requiring a minimum 2.0 college GPA and completion of college-level English and math.

Social life

Campus life includes numerous student organizations—growing every semester—a marching band of over 300 members (the Spirit of Northwestern), and a range of ensembles and performing groups. Athletics compete at NCAA Division I in the Southland Conference, with 12 varsity teams. Student media includes The Current Sauce (newspaper, founded 1914), The Demon radio station (KNWD 91.7 FM), NSU22 television, and The Argus literary magazine. Living-learning communities (LLCs) offer specialized housing around interests like Creative and Performing Arts, Business/Accounting, and Presidential Leadership. All-campus housing is required for unmarried, full-time undergraduates unless they qualify for exemptions. The university maintains partnerships with regional employers including BlueCross BlueShield, Christus Health, IBM, and others.

What you should consider

NSU serves a diverse student body: 60% of undergraduates identify as students of color (primarily Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino). Nearly 69% of first-time freshmen live on campus, suggesting strong residential engagement. The dual enrollment program (deNSU) allows high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit; the AGS Fast Forward program lets high-achieving high school students earn an Associate degree while finishing secondary school. Transfer students represent a significant population, with rolling admissions and flexible entry into multiple terms. Graduate programs attract working professionals and career-changers seeking flexible, accessible pathways. Nursing students benefit from a dedicated education center in Shreveport.

Strengths

• NSU was one of the first six colleges to enter NASA's Joint Venture Program, with students participating in data analysis and research for the 1996 Space Shuttle Columbia mission.[1]
• The university hosts the Louisiana Scholars' College, Louisiana's designated honors college in the liberal arts and sciences.[1]
• NSU was the first school in Louisiana to offer degree programs in nursing and business education.[1]
• The Spirit of Northwestern marching band features over 300 members each year, with membership open to any major and classification of student.[2]

Weaknesses

• In 2012, the university was censured by the American Association of University Professors for violations of AAUP standards on faculty rights.[2]

Traditions

• Three of the four great white columns that once supported the east gable of the original mansion still stand on 'The Hill' and serve as the unofficial symbols of the university.[2]
• The athletic teams are known as the Demons, with the mascot Vic the Demon, a name chosen by student vote in 1922.[2]
• The university maintains the Cammie G. Henry Research Center, an archive with collections covering diverse individuals and topics including figures such as Kate Chopin and materials related to the Cane River.[2]
• A limestone rock was placed on campus in 2006 at a major intersection for registered student organizations to paint designs promoting their groups.[2]