NATCHITOCHES, La. — Northwestern State University enrolled 1,120 first-time freshmen for fall 2026, a 6% increase from last year and its largest entering class in three years, while the university’s overall enrollment declined.
NSU reported total fall enrollment of 8,245 students at its 14-day count, down from 8,402 in fall 2025, a decline of about 1.9%. University officials attributed much of the decrease to students completing degrees, including those progressing through accelerated programs.
The incoming freshman class posted an average ACT score of 21.7 and an average high school GPA of 3.4. It includes 114 high school valedictorians and 22 salutatorians, according to the university.
NSU also reported a first-to-third-semester retention rate of 70%, compared with a Louisiana average of 64%.
Graduate enrollment increased to 904 students, while the university also reported an increase in dual enrollment students compared with fall 2025.
Campus housing is at full occupancy for the second consecutive year, according to NSU. University Place I and II, University Columns and Varnado Hall are filled.
The freshman class includes students from 10 states and 25 countries. A record 112 freshmen are from Natchitoches Parish, the university said, marking its largest number from the parish in the past decade.
Among the largest feeder high schools are Tioga High School with 28 freshmen, Airline High School with 27, Parkway High School with 26 and Pineville High School with 24.
NSU has made investments in its Natchitoches campus in recent years, including the $45 million Robert Alost Hall, which opened in fall 2025 as an academic facility.
University President James T. Genovese said NSU is focusing on sustainable enrollment and attracting students who are prepared to remain at the university through graduation.