NSU vs. Central Washington University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD with Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Washington University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (10,811 students vs. 3,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern State University is located in Aberdeen, SD (Remote Town setting); Central Washington University is in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting).
• Northern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern State University 19:1; Central Washington University 15:1.

NSU vs. Central Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or Central Washington 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 Northern State University than Central Washington University ($15,990 vs. $19,898).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern State University are 35.7% lower than at Central Washington University ($10,600 vs. $16,480).
• Central Washington University is 6.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $572 more per year; $9,417.00 vs. $8,845.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 130.4% higher at Central Washington University than at Northern State University (about $15,579 more per year; $27,526.00 vs. $11,947.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern State University than at Central Washington University (97% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central Washington University students is 36.9% larger than aid received by Northern State University students ($8,816 vs. $6,441).

NSU vs. Central Washington University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU or Central Washington 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 Central Washington University and NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern State University (1070) is 30 points higher than at Central Washington University (1040).
• Incoming NSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Central Washington University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern State University 980/1160; Central Washington University 930/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern State University 18/24; Central Washington University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; Central Washington University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NSU students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Central Washington University (90.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.2% at NSU vs. 20% at Central Washington University.

NSU vs. Central Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and Central Washington 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).

• Central Washington University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Northern State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Central Washington University earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have a $3,662 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($20,737 vs. $24,399).
• Among borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($214 vs. $252).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central Washington University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 60%)

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.