NDSU vs. South Dakota State University

Comparable Facts

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

South Dakota State University is larger than NDSU based on total student enrollment (12,056 students vs. 11,952 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Dakota State University Main Campus is located in Fargo, ND (Midsize City setting); South Dakota State University is in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting).
• North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Dakota State University Main Campus 19:1; South Dakota State University 17:1.

NDSU vs. South Dakota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NDSU or South Dakota State University? 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 South Dakota State University ($15,596 vs. $19,932).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Dakota State University Main Campus are 2.4% lower than at South Dakota State University ($9,928 vs. $10,176).
• North Dakota State University Main Campus is 19.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Dakota State University (about $1,811 more per year; $11,110.00 vs. $9,299.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.1% higher at NDSU than at South Dakota State University (about $2,955 more per year; $15,764.00 vs. $12,809.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at South Dakota State University than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (94% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Dakota State University Main Campus students is 43.2% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($6,409 vs. $4,474).

NDSU vs. South Dakota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NDSU or South Dakota State University? 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 South Dakota State University and NDSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at South Dakota State University (1150) is 60 points higher than at NDSU (1090).
• Incoming NDSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at South Dakota State University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Dakota State University Main Campus 968/1216; South Dakota State University 1060/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Dakota State University Main Campus 19/25; South Dakota State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NDSU - Test optional; South Dakota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NDSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NDSU students have the same average high school GPA (3.53) as students at South Dakota State University (3.53).
• South Dakota State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.3%) than NDSU (95%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32% at NDSU vs. 34.1% at South Dakota State University.

NDSU vs. South Dakota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NDSU and South Dakota State University? 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).

• South Dakota State University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than North Dakota State University Main Campus's (54%).
• Graduates from North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than South Dakota State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,600 vs. $47,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Dakota State University Main Campus graduates have a $1,816 lower median loan debt than South Dakota State University graduates ($23,300 vs. $25,116).
• Among borrowers, NDSU graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Dakota State University graduates ($240 vs. $259).
• More NDSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former South Dakota State University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 77%)

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.