NSU vs. West Texas A & M University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD with West Texas A & M University in Canyon, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Texas A & M University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (9,045 students vs. 3,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern State University is located in Aberdeen, SD (Remote Town setting); West Texas A & M University is in Canyon, TX (Distant Town setting).
• Northern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Texas A & M University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern State University 19:1; West Texas A & M University 14:1.

NSU vs. West Texas A & M University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or West Texas A & M 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 West Texas A & M University than NSU ($15,572 vs. $15,990).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at West Texas A & M University are 12.5% lower than at Northern State University ($9,278 vs. $10,600).
• West Texas A & M University is 2.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $256 more per year; $9,101.00 vs. $8,845.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.6% higher at NSU than at West Texas A & M University (about $951 more per year; $11,947.00 vs. $10,996.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern State University than at West Texas A & M University (97% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by West Texas A & M University students is 17.6% larger than aid received by Northern State University students ($7,573 vs. $6,441).

NSU vs. West Texas A & M University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU or West Texas A & M 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 West Texas A & M University and NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern State University (1070) is 10 points higher than at West Texas A & M University (1060).
• Incoming NSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at West Texas A & M University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern State University 980/1160; West Texas A & M University 950/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern State University 18/24; West Texas A & M University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; West Texas A & M University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: West Texas A & M University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman West Texas A & M University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at NSU (3.37).
• West Texas A & M University has a higher acceptance rate (98.7%) than NSU (93%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.2% at NSU vs. 32.6% at West Texas A & M University.

NSU vs. West Texas A & M University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and West Texas A & M 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).

• The graduation rate at NSU is the same as at West Texas A & M University (42% vs. 42%).
• Graduates from West Texas A & M University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,100 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Texas A & M University graduates have a $3,899 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($20,500 vs. $24,399).
• Among borrowers, West Texas A & M University graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($211 vs. $252).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former West Texas A & M University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 55%)

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.