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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

Cost Details

In-State Tuition
$8,845
Out-of-State Tuition
$11,947
Average Net Price
$17,094
Students Receiving Financial Aid
12.0%
Room & Board (On Campus)
$10,300
Room & Board (Off Campus)
$10,300
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$20,345
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,320
Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
$237/mo
Loan Repayment Rate
64.7%
Students Taking Federal Loans
23.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
12.0%

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants and scholarships. Source: U.S. Department of Education

Net price by family income bracket
Family Income Average Net Price
$0 – $30,000 $13,560
$30,001 – $48,000 $14,226
$48,001 – $75,000 $16,444
$75,001 – $110,000 $19,236
$110,001+ $18,673

Cost Estimator

Family Income
Residency
Housing

Cost Overview

Families earning under $30,000 pay around $13,560 annually at Northern State, while those making over $110,000 pay about $18,673. The net price stays relatively flat across income brackets, hovering between $13,000 and $19,000 per year. Over four years, students can expect total costs between $54,000 and $75,000.

Most graduates leave with $22,320 in debt, translating to monthly payments of $237. With median earnings of $47,618 ten years after graduation, loan payments consume about 6% of income. The 98% employment rate suggests strong job placement despite the modest salary figures. Aberdeen's remote location keeps living costs low, helping stretch financial aid dollars.

In-state students get the best financial deal here. They represent 72% of enrollment and benefit from the $8,845 tuition rate, making Northern State an affordable option for South Dakota families seeking a small-town college experience.

Official Net Price Calculator

Get a personalized cost estimate from Northern State University:

Visit Official Net Price Calculator

This links to the school's federally-required net price calculator for a personalized estimate.