Eastern Michigan University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI with Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Michigan University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (12,631 students vs. 3,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Michigan University is located in Ypsilanti, MI (Large Suburban setting); Northern State University is in Aberdeen, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Eastern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Michigan University 14:1; Northern State University 19:1.

Eastern Michigan University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Eastern Michigan 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 Eastern Michigan University than NSU ($15,742 vs. $15,990).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern State University are 22.4% lower than at Eastern Michigan University ($10,600 vs. $13,652).
• Eastern Michigan University is 83.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $7,395 more per year; $16,240.00 vs. $8,845.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.9% higher at Eastern Michigan University than at Northern State University (about $4,293 more per year; $16,240.00 vs. $11,947.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern State University than at Eastern Michigan University (97% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Michigan University students is 107.6% larger than aid received by Northern State University students ($13,370 vs. $6,441).

Eastern Michigan University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Eastern Michigan 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 Eastern Michigan University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern State University (1070) is 20 points higher than at Eastern Michigan University (1050).
• Incoming Eastern Michigan University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at NSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Michigan University 920/1170; Northern State University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Michigan University 18/27; Northern State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Eastern Michigan University - Test optional; NSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Eastern Michigan University students have the same average high school GPA (3.37) as students at NSU (3.37).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Eastern Michigan University (79.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.7% at Eastern Michigan University vs. 35.2% at NSU.

Eastern Michigan University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Eastern Michigan 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).

• Northern State University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Eastern Michigan University's (40%).
• Graduates from Eastern Michigan University earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,600 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern State University graduates have a $1,101 lower median loan debt than Eastern Michigan University graduates ($24,399 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Eastern Michigan University graduates ($252 vs. $263).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Eastern Michigan University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 45%)

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.