PUBLIC · GRADUATE

Northern State University

Also known as: NSU

📍 Aberdeen, South Dakota🏛️ Town Setting👥 1,273 Undergrads🔗 northern.edu

Overview

Northern State University is an small public research university in Aberdeen, South Dakota. It enrolls about 1,273 undergraduate students with an acceptance rate of 93%. Graduates earn a median of $47,618 ten years after entry.

Quick Stats

Acceptance Rate

93%

Less Selective

SAT Avg

1,089

490–590

Net Price

$15,812

After avg. aid

Grad Rate (6yr)

49%

Retention

77%

First-year, FT

Median Earnings

$47,618

10 yrs after entry

Admissions

Less Selective

Acceptance Rate

93.0%

SAT Average

1,089

ACT Composite

18–24

Test Policy

Considered but not required

SAT Score Range (Middle 50%)

EBRW (Reading & Writing)

200490 – 590 (mid 50%)800

Math

200490 – 570 (mid 50%)800

ACT Score Range (Middle 50%)

Composite

118 – 24 (mid 50%)36

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition

$8,845

Annual + fees

Out-of-State

$11,947

Annual + fees

Cost of Attendance

$22,077

Total annual

Avg. Net Price

$15,812

After aid

Net Price by Family Income

Family Income	Avg. Net Price
$0 – $30,000	$10,762
$30,001 – $48,000	$12,087
$48,001 – $75,000	$15,293
$75,001 – $110,000	$18,372
$110,001 +	$17,933

Financial Aid Snapshot

% with federal loans

22.1%

Academics & Programs

Northern State University offers programs across 15 fields. Top by degrees awarded:

Business, Management & Marketing

21.8%

Education

21.4%

Biological & Biomedical Sciences

19.3%

Liberal Arts & General Studies

6.4%

Psychology

6.4%

Homeland Security & Law Enforcement

5.7%

Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness

4.3%

English Language & Literature

3.9%

Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

49%

On-Time (4yr)

35%

Retention (FT)

77%

% Earning >$25K

70%

10 yrs after entry

Median Earnings After Entry

6 years

$41,536

8 years

$42,830

10 years

$47,618

Graduation Rate by Race

Asian

33.3%

White

55.5%

Diversity

Race & Ethnicity

White

78.7%

Black or African American

3.5%

Asian

2.0%

Hispanic / Latino

5.5%

Two or more races

4.6%

International

2.3%

Gender

Women

57.0%

Men

43.0%

Background

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Northern State University hard to get into?

Less Selective — the acceptance rate is 93%. Admitted students average an SAT of 1089.

How much does Northern State University cost?

In-state tuition is $8,845, and out-of-state is $11,947. Average net price after financial aid is $15,812.

What is Northern State University known for?

Most popular programs include Business, Management & Marketing, Education, Biological & Biomedical Sciences.

What's the graduation rate at Northern State University?

The 6-year graduation rate is 49%, and 77% of first-year, full-time students return for their second year.

Data source: U.S. Department of Education.