Northwestern State University Powers Louisiana’s Economy and Future
A Degree of Enduring Value
With a $497.1M annual impact and 7,000+ jobs supported, NSU delivers career-ready graduates, fuels local communities, and offers a high-value education with lifelong returns.
$497.1 M
Total Impact
$333.2 M
Alumni impact
$76.3 M
Operations spending impact
$65.1 M
Spin-off company impact
7,000+
Job Supported
10
Parish Region
NSU Is Fueling Careers and Communities
With over 10,415 credit students, 432 non-credit students, and 956 employees, NSU is a powerful engine for workforce development and economic growth.
NSU generates $76.3 million in operational income, supporting 947 jobs.
NSU’s day-to-day operations drive local economies, creating nearly 1,000 jobs and infusing tens of millions into the region.
NSU-related businesses add $65.1 million to the economy, supporting 789 jobs.
Entrepreneurship thrives at NSU, with spin-off companies generating income and sustaining hundreds of high-value jobs.
Campus visitors contribute $11 million and support 250 jobs.
Events, tours, and campus visits bring more than inspiration—they bring income and employment to the community.
Student spending adds $9.3 million, creating 174 jobs.
NSU students are more than learners—they are active economic participants driving demand in housing, retail, and services.
Volunteerism contributes $2.2 million in value and supports 85 jobs.
NSU’s culture of service transforms communities, creating real economic value through volunteer hours and civic engagement.
Economic Growth
Northwestern State University plays a vital role in the economic growth of Northwest and Central Louisiana. Around 62% of NSU’s credit-seeking students come from outside the region, with many choosing to relocate to attend the university.
Students from within the region—referred to as retained students—might have left the area for other educational opportunities if not for NSU. Both relocated and retained students contribute to the local economy through spending on housing, groceries, transportation, and other daily expenses.
In FY 2023–24, student spending added $9.3 million in income to the regional economy, reinforcing NSU’s role as a key economic engine in the communities it serves.
For every $1 invested in an NSU education, students gain $4.70 in higher future earnings, with an impressive 18.2% annual return on their investment.
Louisiana taxpayers invested $54.2 million in NSU and will receive $84.7 million in return, thanks to increased tax revenue and reduced public service costs.
In FY 2023–24 alone, NSU will generate $1.6 billion in added economic growth for Louisiana over the working lives of its students.
Every $1 Louisiana invests in NSU returns $8.30 in economic and social benefits—making the university a powerful engine of opportunity.
NSU students contributed a present value of $51.3 million in tuition and expenses—an investment that will lead to nearly $600 million in lifetime earnings gains.
NSU creates value from multiple perspectives.
The university benefits regional businesses by increasing consumer spending in the region and supplying a steady flow of qualified, trained workers to the workforce. NSU enriches the lives of students by raising their lifetime earnings and helping them achieve their individual potential. The university benefits state taxpayers through increased tax receipts and a reduced demand for government-supported social services.
NSU benefits society as a whole in Louisiana by creating a more prosperous economy and generating a variety of savings through the improved lifestyles of students.
About The Study
Data and assumptions used in the study are based on several sources, including the FY 2023-24 academic and financial reports from NSU, industry and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Census Bureau, outputs of Lightcast’s Multi-Regional Social Accounting Matrix model, and a variety of studies and surveys relating education to social behavior. The study applies a conservative methodology and follows standard practice using only the most recognized indicators of economic impact and investment effectiveness. For a full description of the data and approach used in the study, please contact the university for a copy of the main report.
Lightcast provides colleges and universities with labor market data that help create better outcomes for students, businesses, and communities. Our data, which cover more than 99% of the U.S. workforce, are compiled from a wide variety of government sources, job postings, and online profiles and résumés. Hundreds of institutions use Lightcast to align programs with regional needs, drive enrollment, connect students with in-demand careers, track their alumni’s employment outcomes, and demonstrate their institution’s economic impact on their region. Visit lightcast.io/solutions/education to learn more or connect with us.
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