Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Aberdeen, South Dakota |
| Online | northern.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Remote Town |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Northern State University (NSU) in Aberdeen, South Dakota, is a public institution established in 1901. The campus exudes a small-town atmosphere within the expansive Midwestern landscape, offering a close-knit environment for students. NSU emphasizes a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs with notable emphasis on business, education, and fine arts. The campus architecture blends historic and modern elements, providing a visual representation of its commitment to tradition and innovation. With a less selective admissions process, Northern State University focuses on broad access to higher education. Student housing is available on campus, fostering an environment conducive to academic and personal growth. While NSU participates in NCAA Division II athletics, it is not primarily recognized for its sports programs. The university's proximity to the modestly-sized city of Aberdeen does not place it near any major metropolitan areas, allowing Northern State University to serve as a cultural and educational hub in the region.
In the most recent statistical year 1,322 prospective students applied, and 1,033 were granted admission. Of those admitted 299 enrolled in the school. 1,116 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 2,228 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $7,616 plus fees of $1,229. NSU is ranked 820 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
NSU is rated within the lower 39% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Northern State University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#820 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#305 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#7 in Best Colleges in South Dakota
#5 in Best Public Colleges in South Dakota
#14 in Best Value Colleges in South Dakota
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 800/1150 |
| ACT | 18/24 |
| GPA | 3.37 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $20 |
Annual Cost to Attend
South Dakota Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $1,229 |
| Room and Board | $9,150 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,600 |
| Total One Year Cost | $23,795 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $1,229 |
| Room and Board | $9,150 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,600 |
| Total One Year Cost | $26,897 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 35% |
| Education | 20% |
| Social Sciences | 13% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 6% |
| Biology | 4% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering NSU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Northern State University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=219259 IPEDS survey data for Northern State University.
Current students may use the Northern State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024