Northern State University
About Northern State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Northern State University is a public university in Aberdeen, SD. It has a 78.1% acceptance rate with in-state tuition of $8,845 per year, serving approximately 1,258 students.
Founded
1901
Location
Aberdeen, South Dakota
Students
1,812
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
93%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
48.9%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$8,845
Out-of-state: $11,947
Avg Net Price
$15,812
After financial aid
SAT Average
1089
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$47,618
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$20
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Northern State University accepts the majority of applicants at 93%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1089/ 1600
ACT Scores
21/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
48.9% complete their degree within six years
Retention
77%
4-Year Grad
37%
6-Year Grad
56%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
94.5%
$/Student
$9.6K
Class Size
Medium
The 37% graduation rate is below average, but 77% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$8,845
In-State
$11,947
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$10,600
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$22,077
After Financial Aid
$15,812
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$10,762
Receive Grants
12.5%
Take Loans
22.1%
The total cost of attendance runs about $22,077/yr, including $10,600 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $15,812.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Northern State University fund their education.
While in School
12.5%
Get Grants
Free money
22.1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$52,170
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$22,320
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$237/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 22.1% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $22,320. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Northern State University.
Gender
57%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,273
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
539
Graduates
30.7%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
7%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 30.7% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Remote
Campus Quick Facts
1,273
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Northern State University fields 9 varsity teams with 522 student athletes, about 41% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Northern Sun
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
522
41% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
65% / 35%
341
Men
181
Women
5
Men's Teams
6
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Northern State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$47,618
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$46K
35 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$40K
30 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
—
28 grads
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$44K
26 grads
1yr Earnings
Accounting and Related Services
$51K
20 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$71K
18 grads
4yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $42K six years out, growing to $48K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Northern State University
What is the acceptance rate at Northern State University?▾
How much does Northern State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Northern State University?▾
How much do Northern State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.