Bemidji State University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bemidji State University in Bemidji, MN with Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bemidji State University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (4,072 students vs. 3,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bemidji State University is located in Bemidji, MN (Remote Town setting); Northern State University is in Aberdeen, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Bemidji State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bemidji State University 18:1; Northern State University 19:1.

Bemidji State University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bemidji State University or NSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bemidji State University than NSU ($14,859 vs. $15,990).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bemidji State University are 1.3% lower than at Northern State University ($10,462 vs. $10,600).
• Bemidji State University is 15.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $1,392 more per year; $10,237.00 vs. $8,845.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.7% higher at NSU than at Bemidji State University (about $1,710 more per year; $11,947.00 vs. $10,237.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern State University than at Bemidji State University (97% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bemidji State University students is 22.7% larger than aid received by Northern State University students ($7,904 vs. $6,441).

Bemidji State University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bemidji State University or NSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between NSU and Bemidji State University.

• Incoming Bemidji State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at NSU (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorthern State University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bemidji State University 19/24; Northern State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bemidji State University - Test optional; NSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman NSU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at Bemidji State University (3.26).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Bemidji State University (56%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.2% at Bemidji State University vs. 35.2% at NSU.

Bemidji State University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bemidji State University and NSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• The graduation rate at Bemidji State University is the same as at Northern State University (42% vs. 42%).
• Graduates from Bemidji State University earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,000 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bemidji State University graduates have a $3,095 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($21,304 vs. $24,399).
• Among borrowers, Bemidji State University graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($220 vs. $252).
• More Bemidji State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.