Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Natchitoches, LA

Total Enrollment

8,847

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

92

92 programs

Full-Time Students

4,528

3,370 part-time

Total FTE

6,943

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

16:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

74
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
2003
Total Recent Graduates

With 8,847 students, Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 92 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 4,528 (57.3%)
57.3%
Part-Time Students 3,370 (42.7%)
42.7%
Total Students 7,898

Balanced mix of full-time (57.3%) and part-time students, accommodating various schedules.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (51.2%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
69.7%
6,168 students
Men
30.3%
2,679 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
57.6%
5,098 students
White
57.6% (5,098)
Black/African American
25.2% (2,232)
Hispanic/Latino
5.1% (452)
Two or More Races
4.5% (397)
International Students
1.7% (150)
Asian
1.4% (124)
American Indian/Alaska Native
1.2% (106)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.1% (13)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (70%) across 8,847 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 58% of the student body (5,098 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 70% of students.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

7,898 students

31% Men, 69% Women
4,528 Full-time 3,370 Part-time
Diversity Index: 61% • Minority Students: 33%

Graduate students

949 students

23% Men, 77% Women
225 Full-time 724 Part-time
Diversity Index: 53% • Minority Students: 33%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

4,753
All full-time students
1,560 men, 3,193 women
Diversity: 62%

FT Undergraduate

4,528
Full-time undergraduate
1,459 men, 3,069 women
Diversity: 62%

FT Degree-Seeking

4,326
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
1,383 men, 2,943 women
Diversity: 62%

FT First-Time

1,032
Full-time first-time students
349 men, 683 women
Diversity: 61%

FT Continuing

3,294
Full-time continuing students
1,034 men, 2,260 women
Diversity: 62%

FT Transfer

268
Full-time transfer students
75 men, 193 women
Diversity: 63%

FT Continuing

3,026
Full-time other continuing
959 men, 2,067 women
Diversity: 62%

FT Non-Degree

202
Full-time non-degree seeking
76 men, 126 women
Diversity: 56%

FT Graduate

225
Full-time graduate students
101 men, 124 women
Diversity: 58%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

4,094
All part-time students
1,119 men, 2,975 women
Diversity: 57%

PT Undergraduate

3,370
Part-time undergraduate
1,001 men, 2,369 women
Diversity: 58%

PT Degree-Seeking

1,514
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
301 men, 1,213 women
Diversity: 61%

PT First-Time

34
Part-time first-time students
11 men, 23 women
Diversity: 67%

PT Continuing

1,480
Part-time continuing students
290 men, 1,190 women
Diversity: 61%

PT Transfer

158
Part-time transfer students
32 men, 126 women
Diversity: 64%

PT Continuing

1,322
Part-time other continuing
258 men, 1,064 women
Diversity: 60%

PT Non-Degree

1,856
Part-time non-degree seeking
700 men, 1,156 women
Diversity: 53%

PT Graduate

724
Part-time graduate students
118 men, 606 women
Diversity: 51%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

4,497
White
1,981
Black/African American
422
Hispanic/Latino
107
Asian
135
International
Diversity Index: 61% Minority Students: 33%

Graduate students

601
White
251
Black/African American
30
Hispanic/Latino
17
Asian
15
International
Diversity Index: 53% Minority Students: 33%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Northwestern State University of Louisiana's Student Body

Training Environment: Large institution with 8,847 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (51.2%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 6,943 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Primarily online-focused education (57% exclusively online).
Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (16:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.
Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

175 Sam Sibley Drive

Natchitoches, LA 71497-0002

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
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