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Southland Conference

Northwestern State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range870 to 1150

ACT Range18 to 24

Average GPA3.37

Acceptance Rate92.3%

With a 92% acceptance rate, Northwestern State is broadly accessible, so your strategy should focus on entering with a score that supports a strong start. Since ACT scores are the norm here, aim for the upper half of the 18-24 range, especially if your GPA is near the 3.37 entering average.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Northwestern State University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Northwestern State University enrolls 7,595 undergraduates. Northwestern State has a freshman retention rate of 70% and a 6-year graduation rate of 46%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. Northwestern State is test-required for admissions.

Location

Natchitoches, LA

Undergrad Enrollment7,595

Freshman Retention70%

SettingN/A

Student to Faculty Ratio14:1

Graduation Rate46%

Test PolicyTest-required

How do your scores compare at Northwestern State?

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Key Northwestern State University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

—

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

May 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

Plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for retakes. Because Northwestern State requires test scores and has a May 1 financial aid priority deadline, a December senior-year retake should still leave time for scores to arrive before that date.

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What you'll actually pay

At Northwestern State, in-state tuition is $5,180 and out-of-state tuition is $15,968. About 76% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $5,205. The FAFSA priority deadline is May 1.

In-State Tuition$5,180

Out-of-State Tuition$15,968

Room and Board$10,462

Average Merit Award$5,205

Application Fee$20

Students on Aid76%

Average Aid Package$17,379

Average Debt at Grad$32,923

At Northwestern State, out-of-state tuition is $15,968, while in-state tuition is $5,180, with room and board adding $10,462. Financial aid is common, with 76% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $17,379. The average merit award is $5,205, which can help reduce the billed cost for qualifying students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $32,923.