Positive trends apparent as Northwestern State University announces Fall 2024 enrollment

NATCHITOCHES - With student housing just shy of capacity and the highest on-campus student population in five years, new Northwestern State University President James T. Genovese Tuesday announced Fall 2024 enrollment is 8,523 students.

Campus housing is at 99 percent occupancy with over 1,400 students living on campus. On-campus enrollment - students who live on campus and attend classes in Natchitoches - represents 44 percent of the total enrollment, the highest since 2019.

NSU's freshman class includes over 1,100 students, a group whose average ACT scores are higher than last year's freshman class. Freshman to sophomore retention is at 70 percent, another increase from last year. Nearly 3,000 students live in Natchitoches or within 20 miles of campus.

Academic programs are provided at the main campus in Natchitoches, as well as instructional sites in Shreveport, Bossier City, Alexandria, Leesville, Marksville and eNSU online.

"There is a renewed sense of energy and purpose on campus," said Genovese, who arrived in Natchitoches Aug. 5. "The (home football) gameday atmosphere was electric this past weekend. Student life has become more vibrant and the campus looks thriving and healthy."

Students have enjoyed a series of activities since Fall semester classes began Aug. 19, including First Night Fest, New Student Convocation and President's Picnic, Color Chaos and 1-of-7 Service Initiative.

Meanwhile, strides continue to bolster the academic experiences for students who are pursing 43 undergraduate and 27 graduate areas of study, in addition to 36 specialized certificate programs. Retention rates have climbed over the last few years through an emphasis on added academic resources, increased financial literacy conversations, and a holistic approach to student needs through student and academic services.

NSU administrators have been proactive in developing tools and a personalized approach to assist students. Last year, the School of STEM launched the FLAME (Faculty Led Assistance in My Education) program, in which faculty dedicate extra time each week for office hours and supplemental instruction. The university is also developing a faculty collaboration incubator called CREATE (Center for Research, Education, and Artistic Teamwork Exploration). This initiative encourages students, faculty, and staff to share ideas and collaborate across a wide range of academic disciplines

Last year, NSU earned a Title III grant from the U.S. Department of Education to support retention and graduation rate initiatives. The grant is enabling NSU to improve academic advising, tutoring, career planning, affordability and other issues that can affect student success.

The university's partnerships with the business, industry, education and healthcare communities help facilitate the development of relevant degree programs that prepare students for high-demand and emerging jobs.

The College of Nursing and School of Allied Health has shown growth in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, the first Nurse Anesthesia and first sonography programs in north Louisiana, post baccalaureate certificate programs and alternative pathways into nursing and allied health professions.

The opening of Alost Hall, the university's new state-of-the-art academic building that is currently under construction, will have significant impact next year. The 73,200-square-foot building will feature large multipurpose classrooms, simulation labors for graduate and undergraduate nursing and anesthesia programs, a social work/psychology clinic and training area, a café, administrative offices, a conference room and reception area.

"Our success is driven by the generosity of our alumni and community support, along with the dedication of our faculty and staff who consistently go above and beyond for academic excellence," Genovese said.

Nearly 300 high school students are already registered for N-Side View, a college preview day for high schoolers and their parents, coming up on Saturday, Oct. 12. At N-Side View, students and parents can tour campus, meets faculty and staff, explore academic majors, learn about admissions and financial aid and take placement tests. They also get free tickets to the NSU football game. For more information on N Side View visit https://www.engagensu.com/nsideview/.

Enrollment for B-term classes at NSU is available until Oct. 22. B-term classes begin Monday, Oct. 14. Information on registration is available at https://www.nsula.edu/registrar/.

Administrators say the Fall semester student count indicates that enrollment is stabilizing following a post-COVID decline.

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