North Central University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare North Central University in Minneapolis, MN 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 North Central University based on total student enrollment (3,708 students vs. 852 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Central University is located in Minneapolis, MN (Large City setting); Northern State University is in Aberdeen, SD (Remote Town setting).
• North Central University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Central University 14:1; Northern State University 19:1.

North Central University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Central 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 Northern State University than North Central University ($15,990 vs. $26,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Central University are 5.2% lower than at Northern State University ($10,054 vs. $10,600).
• North Central University is 264.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $23,375 more per year; $32,220.00 vs. $8,845.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 169.7% higher at North Central University than at Northern State University (about $20,273 more per year; $32,220.00 vs. $11,947.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Central University than at Northern State University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Central University students is 181.2% larger than aid received by Northern State University students ($18,112 vs. $6,441).

North Central University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Central 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 North Central University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern State University (1070) is 20 points higher than at North Central University (1050).
• Incoming North Central 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 students: North Central University 950/1148; Northern State University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central University 18/24; Northern State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Central University - Test-free; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman North Central University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at NSU (3.37).
• North Central University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than NSU (93%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.6% at North Central University vs. 35.2% at NSU.

North Central University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Central 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 North Central University's (40%).
• Graduates from Northern State University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than North Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $33,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern State University graduates have a $601 lower median loan debt than North Central University graduates ($24,399 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Central University graduates ($252 vs. $258).
• More North Central University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.