National American University-Rapid City vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare National American University Rapid City in Rapid City, SD 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 National American University-Rapid City based on total student enrollment (3,708 students vs. 903 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• National American University Rapid City is located in Rapid City, SD (Small City setting); Northern State University is in Aberdeen, SD (Remote Town setting).
• National American University Rapid City is a private, for-profit 4-year institution. Northern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: National American University Rapid City 6:1; Northern State University 19:1.

National American University-Rapid City vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, National American University-Rapid City 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 Northern State University than National American University-Rapid City ($15,990 vs. $31,062).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern State University are 26.4% lower than at National American University Rapid City ($10,600 vs. $14,400).
• National American University Rapid City is 81.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $7,220 more per year; $16,065.00 vs. $8,845.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.5% higher at National American University-Rapid City than at Northern State University (about $4,118 more per year; $16,065.00 vs. $11,947.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern State University than at National American University Rapid City (97% vs. 29%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern State University students is 90% larger than aid received by National American University Rapid City students ($6,441 vs. $3,390).

National American University-Rapid City vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, National American University-Rapid City 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 National American University-Rapid City.

• National American University Rapid City reports an open admissions policy.
• 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 studentsNorthern State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: National American University-Rapid City - Open admission; NSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman NSU students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at National American University-Rapid City (3.1).

National American University-Rapid City vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for National American University-Rapid City 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 National American University Rapid City's (22%).
• Graduates from National American University Rapid City earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,500 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern State University graduates have a $9,166 lower median loan debt than National American University-Rapid City graduates ($24,399 vs. $33,565).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $95 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than National American University-Rapid City graduates ($252 vs. $347).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former National American University-Rapid City students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 27%)

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.