Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 51.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 52.2%
- Retention Rate
- 75.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $47,618
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,320
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 64.7%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $237/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $44,021 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $43,575 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $25,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $42,123 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,728 | $23,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $39,523 | $20,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $21,862 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $24,150 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $35,060 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $34,526 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $23,250 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $28,598 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $27,439 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $20,824 |
Outcomes Overview
Northern State graduates earn a median salary of $47,618 ten years after graduation. Monthly loan payments of $237 consume about 6% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The median debt of $22,320 represents less than half of first-decade earnings, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio of 0.47. Many graduates enter education, healthcare, and business roles throughout rural South Dakota and the upper Midwest. The 98% employment rate reflects strong regional demand for NSU's practical programs. With relatively low debt burdens and steady career placement in stable industries, Northern State delivers a strong return on investment for students seeking affordable preparation for middle-class careers in smaller communities.