Head-to-head · 2026
Northwestern State University of Louisiana vs University of Louisiana at Monroe
Compare average net price ($13,606 at Northwestern State University of Louisiana; $13,466 at University of Louisiana at Monroe), ROI score (8.64 vs 8.68), ten-year median earnings ($47,021 vs $46,769), and admissions selectivity (92.5% acceptance at Northwestern State University of Louisiana; 84.8% at University of Louisiana at Monroe) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Louisiana at Monroe has a 6-1 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 Monroe |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.64 | 8.68 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $13,606 | $13,466 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $47,021 ✓ | $46,769 |
| Acceptance rate | 92.5% | 84.8% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 43.2% | 54.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $21,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 5,519 | 5,022 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1088 | 1116 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 6 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Northwestern State University of Louisiana costs $140 more per year than University of Louisiana at Monroe ($13,606 vs $13,466). Northwestern State University of Louisiana graduates report $252 higher median earnings after ten years ($47,021 vs $46,769). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Louisiana at Monroe ahead on projected ROI (8.68 vs 8.64, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Louisiana at Monroe) 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 84.8% (accessible) at University of Louisiana at Monroe.
Frequently asked
Northwestern State University of Louisiana vs University of Louisiana at Monroe, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Northwestern State University of Louisiana or University of Louisiana at Monroe the better value?
University of Louisiana at Monroe has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.68 vs 8.64), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Louisiana at Monroe is cheaper — average net price $13,466 per year vs $13,606 at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. The annual difference of $140 adds up to about $560 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Northwestern State University of Louisiana reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $47,021 vs $46,769 at University of Louisiana at Monroe. The annual gap in the federal data is $252.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Louisiana at Monroe is more selective at 84.8% 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 Monroe reports B.