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Louisiana Tech University vs Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Louisiana Tech University is a public university in Ruston, LA. Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a public university in Natchitoches, LA. Louisiana Tech University admits about 86% of applicants and Northwestern State University of Louisiana about 93%, making Louisiana Tech University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $11,864 a year at Louisiana Tech University after aid, and about $13,606 at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. About 61% of students graduate at Louisiana Tech University, compared with 44% at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Ten years after enrolling, Louisiana Tech University alumni earn a median of about $52,279, against $47,021 for Northwestern State University of Louisiana.

Louisiana Tech University

Ruston, LA · Public

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Natchitoches, LA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Ruston, LA
Natchitoches, LA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
8,312
5,519
Acceptance rate
86%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.39–3.89
3.17–3.67
SAT (middle 50%)
1100–1310
866–1163
ACT (middle 50%)
21–27
18–24
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$11,864
$13,606
Full cost / yr
$24,280
$25,431
In-state tuition
$10,125
$8,864
Out-of-state tuition
$16,866
$19,652
Application fee
$20
$20
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,676
$11,693
$30k - $48k
$8,619
$12,261
$48k - $75k
$11,146
$12,549
$75k - $110k
$15,674
$17,777
Over $110k
$16,207
$19,077
Outcomes
Graduation rate
61%
44%
Freshman retention
82%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,903
$39,485
Median earnings (10 yr)
$52,279
$47,021
Median debt at graduation
$22,135
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
35%
First-generation students
31%
42%
International students
4%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Aug 1
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Louisiana Tech University or Northwestern State University of Louisiana harder to get into?
Louisiana Tech University is harder to get into. It admits about 86% of applicants, compared with 93% at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Louisiana Tech University or Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
Louisiana Tech University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,864 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $13,606 at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Louisiana Tech University and Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
Before aid, Louisiana Tech University costs about $24,280 a year and Northwestern State University of Louisiana about $25,431. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Louisiana Tech University or Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
Louisiana Tech University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,676 there, against about $11,693 at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Louisiana Tech University or Northwestern State University of Louisiana?
Louisiana Tech University is the larger of the two, with about 8,312 undergraduates against 5,519 at Northwestern State University of Louisiana.
Does Louisiana Tech University or Northwestern State University of Louisiana have a better graduation rate?
Louisiana Tech University has the higher graduation rate, at about 61% against 44% at Northwestern State University of Louisiana.
Do graduates of Louisiana Tech University or Northwestern State University of Louisiana earn more?
Louisiana Tech University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $52,279 ten years after enrolling, against about $47,021 for Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Louisiana Tech University and Northwestern State University of Louisiana require SAT or ACT scores?
Louisiana Tech University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Northwestern State University of Louisiana is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Louisiana Tech University and Northwestern State University of Louisiana look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1100–1310 at Louisiana Tech University and 866–1163 at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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