Northwestern State University is a responsive, student-oriented institution that is aimed for creation, distribution, and gaining of knowledge through teaching, research, and service. The University maintains as its highest priority excellence in teaching in graduate and undergraduate programs.

NSU was established in 1884 as a part of the University of Louisiana system. The institution concentrates on both academics and athletics. On the academic side, it features a unique selective honor program called the Louisiana Scholars' College. NSU was also the first school in Louisiana to earn 100 percent accreditation for all eligible academic programs. As for the athletic side, their teams are called the Demons, and they possess one of the most successful Division I athletic programs in the U.S. Five NSU alumni are in the NFL. The university enrolls close to 10,000 students now. It has grown quite a bit over the past few years.

NSU offers more than 50 degree programs in diverse areas of study. The university is organized into the following academic divisions: College of Business; College of Education; College of Liberal Arts; College of Nursing; College of Science and Technology; Electronic & Continuing Education; Graduate School; Louisiana Scholars' College; and University College.

Online Learning
For over 117 years Northwestern State University has met the educational needs of students through quality academic programming. Recognizing the power of technology to bring educational opportunity to all students, Northwestern now delivers accredited online degree programs.

Accreditation
Northwestern State University is accredited by the commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, and specialist's degrees. It is a member in good standing of the Association of American Colleges and also of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.

With fully accredited on-line degree programs from the associate through the masters' levels, and a full array of support services, no student in need of an education should feel place or time bound.

Financial Aid
We welcome the opportunity to help you find the best way your education financing. We administer federal, state, institutional and third party aid which is awarded through grants, student loans, scholarships, and jobs on campus.

The mission of the Northwestern State University’s Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships is to find the best possible aid package for every student, which enables each of our students to achieve their educational goal.