NSU vs. South Dakota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD 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 NSU based on total student enrollment (12,056 students vs. 3,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern State University is located in Aberdeen, SD (Remote Town setting); South Dakota State University is in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Northern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern State University 19:1; South Dakota State University 17:1.

NSU vs. South Dakota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU 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 Northern State University than South Dakota State University ($15,990 vs. $19,932).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Dakota State University are 4% lower than at Northern State University ($10,176 vs. $10,600).
• South Dakota State University is 5.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $454 more per year; $9,299.00 vs. $8,845.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.2% higher at South Dakota State University than at Northern State University (about $862 more per year; $12,809.00 vs. $11,947.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern State University than at South Dakota State University (97% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern State University students is 44% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($6,441 vs. $4,474).

NSU vs. South Dakota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU 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 NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at South Dakota State University (1150) is 80 points higher than at NSU (1070).
• Incoming South Dakota State University 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: Northern State University 980/1160; South Dakota State University 1060/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern State University 18/24; South Dakota State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; South Dakota State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman South Dakota State University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at NSU (3.37).
• South Dakota State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.3%) than NSU (93%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.2% at NSU vs. 34.1% at South Dakota State University.

NSU vs. South Dakota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU 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 Northern State University's (42%).
• Graduates from South Dakota State University earn a median of about $10,300 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern State University graduates have a $717 lower median loan debt than South Dakota State University graduates ($24,399 vs. $25,116).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Dakota State University graduates ($252 vs. $259).
• More South Dakota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.