Northwestern State University reports Spring 2026 enrollment of 7,762 students – 6,913 undergraduates and 849 graduate and professional students – reflecting modest growth over last year across all campuses in Natchitoches, Alexandria, Leesville/Fort Polk, Barksdale AFB and eNSU online.

“These encouraging numbers reflect the university’s personalized approach to assisting students,” said NSU President James Genovese. “This proves we are moving the needle upward at NSU.”

Freshmen retention from Fall 2025 to Spring 2026 tops 87 percent. The freshmen class includes over 1,100 students who enrolled with more than $8 million in scholarships and TOPS awards, with an average ACT of 21.27 and GPA of 3.43 – both up from the previous year, according to Director of Enrollment Van Erikson. Retention of last year’s freshmen class has risen to 70 percent, and Spring first-time entering freshmen jumped almost 40 percent.

Dual enrollment grew to 2,058 students earning college credits applied to both high school and college transcripts. NSU has awarded associate degrees to eligible high school students since 2016.

Adult learner enrollment is also climbing. The number of students 25 or older enrolling as entering freshmen doubled from Spring 2025, with most pursuing general studies, nursing and radiology programs.

NSU students represent 63 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, 45 states and 47 foreign countries.