Natchitoches, LA · Private University
Is Northwestern State University of Louisiana Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$47,021
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$8,864
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,652
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$78,608
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.39x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
6.5 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
44.6%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$25,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$13,809
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Northwestern State University of Louisiana graduates earn $2,021 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Northwestern State University of Louisiana ranked by graduate earnings
305 graduates
29 graduates
25 graduates
75 graduates
18 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Northwestern State University of Louisiana
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Northwestern State University of Louisiana, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $71,773) and the lowest (Music: $23,529) is $48,244/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $71,773 | 3.6x |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians | $62,991 | 3.2x |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $54,753 | 2.8x |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $54,284 | 2.8x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other(1yr data) | $53,442 | 2.7x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $47,068 | 2.4x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $45,788 | 2.3x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $43,938 | 2.2x |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $43,073 | 2.2x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $41,958 | 2.1x |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $41,200 | 2.1x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $39,510 | 2.0x |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(1yr data) | $39,282 | 2.0x |
| Social Work | $39,137 | 2.0x |
| Biology, General | $39,127 | 2.0x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $38,761 | 2.0x |
| Psychology, General | $37,798 | 1.9x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $36,919 | 1.9x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $33,722 | 1.7x |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General | $31,822 | 1.6x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $27,445 | 1.4x |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services(1yr data) | $27,373 | 1.4x |
| MusicLowest(1yr data) | $23,529 | 1.2x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Northwestern State University of Louisiana stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $47,021 10 years after starting, $2,021 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 6.5 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.