At $17,094/yr net price, Northern State University graduates earn $47,618/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,618/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,094 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $68,376 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,618/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,618/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,320 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,560/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,226/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,444/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,236/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,673/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
52.2% of students at Northern State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Northern State University delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median earnings of $47,618 ten years after graduation and a net price of $17,094 annually, your payback period stretches longer than most regional competitors.
The business programs show middling performance at best. Accounting graduates earn $42,682 while carrying $25,000 in debt, creating a concerning debt-to-income ratio. Finance majors fare slightly worse at $42,123 annually. Even the highest-earning programs like Student Counseling Services barely crack $44,000, which limits your ability to quickly pay down educational debt.
Two red flags compound the poor earnings outlook. Only 52% of students graduate, meaning you face nearly even odds of leaving without a degree. The 75% retention rate signals academic or financial struggles that derail many students early.
Northern State works financially only if you qualify for substantial need-based aid, though just 12% of students receive federal grants. Without significant aid, you should look elsewhere unless you plan to stay in South Dakota long-term, where the lower cost of living makes the modest salaries more workable.
Skip Northern State if you can access similar programs at universities with stronger regional job networks or higher graduate earnings. The combination of weak outcomes and moderate debt creates a financial trap that takes years to escape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northern State University worth the cost?
Northern State University offers below-average returns with graduates earning $47,618 ten years after graduation, which is low compared to the $17,094 annual cost. The 52% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Northern State University?
Student Counseling ($44,021) and Curriculum and Instruction ($43,575) are the highest-paying programs at Northern State University. Business and accounting majors earn around $40,000-$42,000, which is modest for these fields.
How much debt do Northern State University students graduate with?
Northern State University graduates have a median debt of $22,320, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, the relatively low starting salaries mean debt-to-income ratios may still be challenging for some graduates.
Does Northern State University have good financial aid?
Northern State University's net price of $17,094 is affordable for a four-year degree. The low sticker price helps keep student debt reasonable, though earnings potential remains limited across most programs.