NDSU vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

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

North Dakota State University Main Campus is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (11,952 students vs. 3,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Dakota State University Main Campus is located in Fargo, ND (Midsize City setting); Northern State University is in Aberdeen, SD (Remote Town setting).
• North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Dakota State University Main Campus 19:1; Northern State University 19:1.

NDSU vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NDSU 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 North Dakota State University Main Campus than NSU ($15,596 vs. $15,990).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Dakota State University Main Campus are 6.3% lower than at Northern State University ($9,928 vs. $10,600).
• North Dakota State University Main Campus is 25.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $2,265 more per year; $11,110.00 vs. $8,845.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.9% higher at NDSU than at Northern State University (about $3,817 more per year; $15,764.00 vs. $11,947.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern State University than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (97% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern State University students is 0.5% larger than aid received by North Dakota State University Main Campus students ($6,441 vs. $6,409).

NDSU vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NDSU 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 NDSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Dakota State University Main Campus (1090) is 20 points higher than at NSU (1070).
• Incoming NDSU 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: North Dakota State University Main Campus 968/1216; Northern State University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Dakota State University Main Campus 19/25; Northern State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NDSU - Test optional; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NDSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NDSU students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at NSU (3.37).
• NDSU has a higher acceptance rate (95%) than NSU (93%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32% at NDSU vs. 35.2% at NSU.

NDSU vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NDSU 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).

• North Dakota State University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Northern State University's (42%).
• Graduates from North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of about $16,200 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,600 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Dakota State University Main Campus graduates have a $1,099 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($23,300 vs. $24,399).
• Among borrowers, NDSU graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($240 vs. $252).
• More NDSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.