Head-to-head · 2026
Northwestern State University of Louisiana vs University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Compare average net price ($13,606 at Northwestern State University of Louisiana; $13,530 at University of Louisiana at Lafayette), ROI score (8.64 vs 8.70), ten-year median earnings ($47,021 vs $47,089), and admissions selectivity (92.5% acceptance at Northwestern State University of Louisiana; 87% at University of Louisiana at Lafayette) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Louisiana at Lafayette has a 7-0 metric-level edge. The ROI scores are close, so aid letters, program fit, graduation rate and debt should decide the better fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | University of Louisiana at Lafayette |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.64 | 8.70 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $13,606 | $13,530 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $47,021 | $47,089 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 92.5% | 87% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 43.2% | 52.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $22,902 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 5,519 | 12,428 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1088 | 1219 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 0 | 7 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Northwestern State University of Louisiana costs $76 more per year than University of Louisiana at Lafayette ($13,606 vs $13,530). University of Louisiana at Lafayette graduates report $68 higher median earnings after ten years ($47,089 vs $47,021). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Louisiana at Lafayette ahead on projected ROI (8.70 vs 8.64, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Louisiana at Lafayette) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Northwestern State University of Louisiana is accessible at 92.5% acceptance versus 87% (accessible) at University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Frequently asked
Northwestern State University of Louisiana vs University of Louisiana at Lafayette, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Northwestern State University of Louisiana or University of Louisiana at Lafayette the better value?
University of Louisiana at Lafayette has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.70 vs 8.64), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Louisiana at Lafayette is cheaper — average net price $13,530 per year vs $13,606 at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. The annual difference of $76 adds up to about $304 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Louisiana at Lafayette reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $47,089 vs $47,021 at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. The annual gap in the federal data is $68.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Louisiana at Lafayette is more selective at 87% acceptance vs 92.5% at Northwestern State University of Louisiana.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Northwestern State University of Louisiana reports a B value grade; University of Louisiana at Lafayette reports B.