NSU vs. University of Holy Cross

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern State University of Louisiana in Natchitoches, LA with University of Holy Cross in New Orleans, LA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwestern State University of Louisiana is larger than University of Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (8,523 students vs. 802 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern State University of Louisiana is located in Natchitoches, LA (Remote Town setting); University of Holy Cross is in New Orleans, LA (Large City setting).
• Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern State University of Louisiana 16:1; University of Holy Cross 7:1.

NSU vs. University of Holy Cross Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or University of Holy Cross? 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 University of Holy Cross ($13,134 vs. $14,420).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwestern State University of Louisiana are 7.4% lower than at University of Holy Cross ($10,926 vs. $11,802).
• University of Holy Cross is 87% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $7,712 more per year; $16,576.00 vs. $8,864.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.6% higher at NSU than at University of Holy Cross (about $3,076 more per year; $19,652.00 vs. $16,576.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Holy Cross than at Northwestern State University of Louisiana (97% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Holy Cross students is 6.3% larger than aid received by Northwestern State University of Louisiana students ($12,861 vs. $12,098).

NSU vs. University of Holy Cross Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU or University of Holy Cross? 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 University of Holy Cross and NSU.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern State University of Louisiana 866/1163.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern State University of Louisiana 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); University of Holy Cross - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind).
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Holy Cross Jul 20, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NSU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at University of Holy Cross (3.12).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (92.5%) than University of Holy Cross (73.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 37.4% at NSU vs. 6% at University of Holy Cross.

NSU vs. University of Holy Cross Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and University of Holy Cross? 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).

• Graduates from University of Holy Cross earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,700 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern State University of Louisiana graduates have a $10,927 lower median loan debt than University of Holy Cross graduates ($21,531 vs. $32,458).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $113 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Holy Cross graduates ($222 vs. $335).
• More University of Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (48% vs. 46%)

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.