# Northwestern State University

> public university in Louisiana, USA

**Wikidata**: [Q2001231](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2001231)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northwestern_State_University)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/northwestern-state-university

## Summary
Northwestern State University is a public university located in Natchitoches, Louisiana, USA, founded in 1884. It is part of the University of Louisiana System and offers undergraduate and graduate programs, serving over 11,000 students as of 2020. The institution is known for its accessible admission policies and regional academic focus.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1884 as a public educational institution in Louisiana.
- Part of the University of Louisiana System, with its main campus in Natchitoches.
- Serves approximately 11,447 students and employs 1,013 staff (as of 2020).
- Reports a 95% admission rate and 37% admission yield rate (2020 data).
- Affiliated with notable figures such as science writer Sandra Blakeslee.
- Classified as a "master's college/university" with balanced arts, sciences, and professional programs (Carnegie Classification).

## FAQs
### Q: When was Northwestern State University founded?
A: Northwestern State University was founded in 1884 as Louisiana State Normal School, later evolving into its current form.

### Q: What is the admission rate at Northwestern State University?
A: As of 2020, the university had a 95% admission rate, indicating an open-access approach to higher education.

### Q: Is Northwestern State University part of a larger university system?
A: Yes, it is a member of the University of Louisiana System, a network of public universities across the state.

## Why It Matters
Northwestern State University plays a critical role in providing accessible higher education in Louisiana, particularly in the northwestern region. As a public institution with a high admission rate, it prioritizes inclusivity and affordability, addressing the educational needs of local and statewide communities. Founded in the 19th century, it has evolved to offer diverse academic programs, including master’s degrees, while maintaining a focus on undergraduate education. Its membership in the University of Louisiana System strengthens its resource-sharing capabilities and statewide impact. The university also contributes to regional economic development through workforce preparation and community engagement initiatives.

## Notable For
- **Historical Significance**: One of Louisiana’s oldest public universities, established in 1884.
- **Accessible Education**: High admission rate (95% in 2020) reflects a commitment to broad student access.
- **Academic Diversity**: Offers programs across arts, sciences, and professions, with a focus on master’s-level education.
- **Athletic Programs**: Home to the Northwestern State Demons and Lady Demons teams, competing in NCAA Division I.

## Body
### History
- Founded in 1884 as Louisiana State Normal School.
- Officially renamed Northwestern State University of Louisiana in 1944.
- Joined the University of Louisiana System, a public higher education consortium.

### Academics
- **Student Body**: 11,447 students enrolled as of 2020, with 1,013 employees.
- **Academic Calendar**: Semester-based system.
- **Carnegie Classifications**: 
  - Master’s Colleges and Universities: Larger Programs.
  - Postbaccalaureate: Education-dominant, with arts & sciences.
  - Four-year, medium full-time, selective, higher transfer-in.
- **Admissions**: 95% acceptance rate (2020); 37% yield rate (2020).

### Athletics
- Competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Southland Conference.
- Fields teams under the Northwestern State Demons and Lady Demons.

### Affiliations
- Member of the American Council on Education and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.
- Notable affiliates include science writer Sandra Blakeslee (b. 1943).

### Operations
- **Location**: Main campus in Natchitoches, Louisiana (coordinates: 31.750038° N, -93.096394° W).
- **Contact**: Website at [www.nsula.edu](http://www.nsula.edu/); Twitter handle @NSULA.
- **Identifiers**: 
  - ROR ID: 049ams583.
  - VIAF ID: 130001604.
  - Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) ID: 160038.

## References

1. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System
2. GRID Release 2017-01-10
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20240120080233/https://acememberdirectory.azurewebsites.net/)
5. [Source](https://aascu.org/our-members/)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. GeoNames
8. GRID Release 2015-12-14
9. GRID Release 2016-12-06
10. Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education
11. Quora
12. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
13. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph
14. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
15. National Center for Education Statistics