NSU vs. Eastern Michigan University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern State University of Louisiana in Natchitoches, LA with Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Michigan University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (12,631 students vs. 8,523 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern State University of Louisiana is located in Natchitoches, LA (Remote Town setting); Eastern Michigan University is in Ypsilanti, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern State University of Louisiana 16:1; Eastern Michigan University 14:1.

NSU vs. Eastern Michigan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or Eastern Michigan University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Northwestern State University of Louisiana than Eastern Michigan University ($13,134 vs. $15,742).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwestern State University of Louisiana are 20% lower than at Eastern Michigan University ($10,926 vs. $13,652).
• Eastern Michigan University is 83.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $7,376 more per year; $16,240.00 vs. $8,864.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21% higher at NSU than at Eastern Michigan University (about $3,412 more per year; $19,652.00 vs. $16,240.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northwestern State University of Louisiana as at Eastern Michigan University (93% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Michigan University students is 10.5% larger than aid received by Northwestern State University of Louisiana students ($13,370 vs. $12,098).

NSU vs. Eastern Michigan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU or Eastern Michigan University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Eastern Michigan University and NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eastern Michigan University (1050) is 40 points higher than at NSU (1010).
• Incoming Eastern Michigan University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at NSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern State University of Louisiana 866/1163; Eastern Michigan University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern State University of Louisiana 18/24; Eastern Michigan University 18/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; Eastern Michigan University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Eastern Michigan University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at NSU (3.3).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (92.5%) than Eastern Michigan University (79.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 37.4% at NSU vs. 9.7% at Eastern Michigan University.

NSU vs. Eastern Michigan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and Eastern Michigan University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Eastern Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Northwestern State University of Louisiana's (37%).
• Graduates from Eastern Michigan University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,600 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern State University of Louisiana graduates have a $3,969 lower median loan debt than Eastern Michigan University graduates ($21,531 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Eastern Michigan University graduates ($222 vs. $263).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Eastern Michigan University students, three years after graduation. (46% vs. 45%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.