MSU vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

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

Northern State University is larger than MSU based on total student enrollment (3,708 students vs. 2,751 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Minot State University is located in Minot, ND (Remote Town setting); Northern State University is in Aberdeen, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Minot 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: Minot State University 11:1; Northern State University 19:1.

MSU vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU 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 Minot State University than NSU ($13,092 vs. $15,990).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Minot State University are 19.5% lower than at Northern State University ($8,534 vs. $10,600).
• Northern State University is 1.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $143 more per year; $8,845.00 vs. $8,702.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.3% higher at NSU than at Minot State University (about $3,245 more per year; $11,947.00 vs. $8,702.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern State University than at Minot State University (97% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern State University students is 7.1% larger than aid received by Minot State University students ($6,441 vs. $6,016).

MSU vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MSU 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 MSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern State University (1070) is 30 points higher than at MSU (1040).
• Incoming MSU 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 students: Minot State University 930/1140; Northern State University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minot State University 18/24; Northern State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU - Test optional; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MSU Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MSU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at NSU (3.37).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than MSU (64.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 77.9% at MSU vs. 35.2% at NSU.

MSU vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU 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 Minot State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Minot State University earn a median of about $7,800 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Minot State University graduates have a $5,674 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($18,725 vs. $24,399).
• Among borrowers, MSU graduates have an estimated $59 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($193 vs. $252).
• More MSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.