September 8, 2025
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University reported Fall 2025 enrollment at 8,402 students, highlighting steady progress in student engagement and academic quality. The university welcomed its largest freshman class in four years, a record number of transfer students, and full capacity in campus housing.
This year’s entering freshman class reflects a stronger academic profile, with the average ACT score rising to 21.6, a full point higher than last year and well above Louisiana’s statewide average of 18.8. The university is also welcoming more transfer students, a sign that Northwestern State has become an increasingly attractive destination for those seeking a high-quality academic experience and vibrant campus life.
Housing on the Natchitoches campus is at 100 percent occupancy across University Place I and II, the Columns, and Varnado Hall. Officials said this surge reflects renewed energy in campus life and underscores Northwestern State’s reputation as one of the most student-centered universities in the region. Increased enrollment on the main campus, combined with a shift toward more face-to-face classes, has strengthened connections and fueled a vibrant community atmosphere.
The university has seen a surge in student participation and activities. More than 5,000 student activity completions have been recorded since the beginning of the semester, including record attendance at Color Chaos and Demons Come Out Night. New Student Convocation also drew its largest crowd in recent years, signaling strong engagement from the incoming class.
Faculty-led initiatives like FLAME (Faculty Led Assistance in My Education) continue to provide additional support to students, while tutoring requests are already ahead of last year’s pace. Programs like these have strengthened retention rates and improved student success, keeping Northwestern State aligned with national best practices in higher education.
Northwestern State also marked the opening of its newest academic facility this semester, the state-of-the-art $45 million Robert Alost Hall. The building, which replaces Kyser Hall as the main academic hub on the Natchitoches campus, was named after former NSU President Robert Alost and will serve as a centerpiece for academic life. Students like Chris James of Bossier City, a senior communications major, say the addition reflects NSU’s commitment to creating opportunities and strengthening the personal connections that define the university experience.
“Students who choose Northwestern State discover an environment where academics, support, and community come together,” said NSU President James T. Genovese. “Our faculty and staff are committed to ensuring that every student has the resources to succeed, and it shows in the momentum we see this fall.”
Northwestern State’s reach extends across Louisiana with programs at instructional sites in Shreveport, Barksdale Air Force Base, Alexandria, Leesville, Fort Polk, and Marksville, as well as a wide range of offerings through its eNSU online campus. Enrollment includes more than 2,000 dual-enrollment students, continuing the university’s role in preparing Louisiana’s next generation of college graduates.
“The Fall 2025 enrollment showcases strong momentum, highlighted by stronger freshman preparation, greater housing demand, record student engagement, and the opening of Alost Hall as a modern centerpiece of academic life,” said Vanner Erikson, Director of Enrollment at Northwestern State University.
“Enrollment tells only part of the story,” Genovese said. “The real measure of success is in the quality of students we attract and the level of energy they bring to campus. By those measures, this fall is one of the strongest in recent memory.”
With growing academic strength and a commitment to supporting every learner, Northwestern State continues to position its students for success in the classroom, in their careers, and in communities across Louisiana and beyond.
