NSU vs. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD with South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern State University is larger than South Dakota School of Mines and Technology based on total student enrollment (3,708 students vs. 2,576 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern State University is located in Aberdeen, SD (Remote Town setting); South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is in Rapid City, SD (Small City setting).
• Northern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern State University 19:1; South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 12:1.

NSU vs. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or South Dakota School of Mines and Technology? 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 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ($15,990 vs. $20,267).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology are 12.3% lower than at Northern State University ($9,300 vs. $10,600).
• South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is 18.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $1,655 more per year; $10,500.00 vs. $8,845.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.7% higher at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology than at Northern State University (about $2,953 more per year; $14,900.00 vs. $11,947.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern State University than at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (97% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern State University students is 20.8% larger than aid received by South Dakota School of Mines and Technology students ($6,441 vs. $5,334).

NSU vs. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU or South Dakota School of Mines and Technology? 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 School of Mines and Technology and NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (1240) is 170 points higher than at NSU (1070).
• Incoming South Dakota School of Mines and Technology students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 21 at NSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern State University 980/1160; South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 1140/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern State University 18/24; South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; South Dakota School of Mines and Technology - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman South Dakota School of Mines and Technology students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at NSU (3.37).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (79.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.2% at NSU vs. 38.1% at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

NSU vs. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology? 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 School of Mines and Technology's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Northern State University's (42%).
• Graduates from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology earn a median of about $22,600 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,000 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern State University graduates have a $3,101 lower median loan debt than South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates ($24,399 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates ($252 vs. $284).
• More South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.