Northern State University: 78.1% Acceptance Rate

78.1%Acceptance

$8,845Tuition

1,239Students

52%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$47,618Earnings

#10 in South DakotaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Northern State University

Northern State University builds teachers, business leaders, and healthcare professionals in the remote prairie town of Aberdeen. The 1,239-student campus has earned a reputation for hands-on learning and tight-knit community feel. With a 78% acceptance rate and average SAT of 975, NSU welcomes students who value personal attention over prestige. The university's strong education and business programs draw students from across the upper Midwest.

Students pay an average net price of $17,094 after aid, making NSU one of the more affordable options in the region. Graduates earn a median of $47,618 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $22,320. The monthly loan payment averages $237, which represents a manageable burden given career outcomes. With 98% employment rates, NSU delivers solid job placement despite its modest profile.

The Wolves compete in 11 NCAA Division II sports with $2.1 million in athletic scholarships spread across 324 student-athletes. Women outnumber men 58% to 42% on the predominantly white campus. The 75% retention rate reflects students who appreciate small classes and rural campus life, though the 52% six-year graduation rate suggests some struggle to finish.

Academics & Faculty

Northern State University operates as a full public university serving rural South Dakota with a practical, career-focused approach to education. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors in this small-town setting. The university is particularly known for its teacher education programs, which have supplied educators across the upper Midwest for over a century. Business administration and elementary education rank among the most popular majors. With a 52% six-year graduation rate, many students take time to complete degrees while balancing work and family responsibilities common in rural communities. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and internships that connect directly to regional job markets.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 98.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 51.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 52.2%
Retention Rate: 75.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $47,618
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.	Master	$44,021
Curriculum and Instruction.	Master	$43,575
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$42,682
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Bachelor	$42,123
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$40,728
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$39,523
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Bachelor	$38,289
Biology, General.	Bachelor	$38,289
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$35,060
Sociology.	Bachelor	$35,060

View all 60 programs →

Campus Life

Aberdeen sits 200 miles from any major city, making campus the center of student life. With only 773 housing spots for 1,239 students, roughly 62% live on campus, creating tight-knit residence hall communities. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, so heavy coats become essential gear from November through March.

The Wolves compete in 11 Division II sports, drawing crowds of 324 student-athletes and their supporters to games. With 42% men and 58% women, the gender balance creates natural social mixing. Students often gather at the Barnett Center for intramural sports or head to Richmond Lake for fishing and hiking when weather permits. The small-town setting means most weekend entertainment happens on campus through residence hall programming, athletic events, or student organization activities. Many students drive the hour to Watertown for shopping or dining variety. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, creating an intimate academic environment where skipping class gets noticed quickly.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 773 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1901

Campus Safety (2023)

12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Rape	3	3
Burglary	1	1
Dating Violence	1	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0
Stalking	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 1°–22°F
July Avg: 59°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 21.7"
Annual Snowfall: -1,517.3"

Student Demographics

Northern State draws primarily from South Dakota and surrounding states, with about three-quarters of students calling the region home. The school has built a solid reputation across rural communities in the upper Midwest. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, reflecting the university's strength in education and health sciences programs that traditionally attract more female students. The student body is predominantly white, mirroring the demographics of rural South Dakota. Most students come from middle-class families, though the university serves a modest population of lower-income students through federal aid programs.

Men: 42.5%
Women: 57.6%
White: 79.9%
Black: 4.1%
Hispanic: 5.2%
Asian: 2.2%
In-State Students: 71.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 12.0%

Location

Aberdeen sits in northeastern South Dakota, about 200 miles from Sioux Falls and 280 miles from Minneapolis. The town has around 28,000 residents and serves as a regional center for the surrounding agricultural area. Northern State's 1,239 students make up a noticeable portion of Aberdeen's population. The campus sits in classic Great Plains territory with wide open spaces and harsh winters that can reach well below zero. Aberdeen calls itself the "center City" because several highways converge here, but it remains genuinely rural with grain elevators dotting the horizon. The nearest major airport requires a three-hour drive. Students considering colleges in South Dakota may also compare Northern State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Aberdeen, South Dakota 57401-7198

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $47,618
Median Earnings (5 years): $51,509
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $33,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 64.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $237/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $22,320

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Northern State University?

Northern State University accepts 78% of applicants, making it fairly accessible to students. The average SAT score is 975, with the middle 50% scoring between 800 and 1150. This public university in Aberdeen tends to welcome students with a wide range of academic backgrounds.

How much does Northern State University cost after financial aid?

Students at Northern State University pay an average net price of $17,094 after aid. In-state tuition runs $8,845 while out-of-state students pay $11,947. The school keeps costs manageable for a four-year degree, with graduates carrying a median debt load of $22,320.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Northern State University?

Northern State University maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio across its 1,239 enrolled students. The school has built its reputation on personal attention in small-town Aberdeen. Students benefit from close relationships with professors in this intimate academic setting.

What are the graduation rates at Northern State University?

Northern State University graduates 52% of students within six years and 51% within four years. The 75% retention rate shows most students stay past their first year. Graduates earn a median salary of $47,618 ten years after leaving, with a strong 98% employment rate.

Where is Northern State University located and what is campus life like?

Northern State University sits in Aberdeen, South Dakota, a remote town setting that shapes the entire college experience. The campus houses 773 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community. With 324 student-athletes competing in 11 Division II sports as the Wolves, athletics play a central role in campus culture.

Does Northern State University offer good financial aid packages?

Northern State University provides institutional grants to 17% of students, averaging $5,038 per recipient. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of just $13,560. The school has historically focused on making education affordable for rural South Dakota families and beyond.