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 gives you a moderate return with low risk attached. At $17,094 a year in net price and $22,320 in median debt, you borrow less than a typical four-year graduate, and median earnings of $47,618 clear that debt within a reasonable window. The math works, but it doesn't produce big surpluses.
The business programs are where your money goes furthest. Accounting and finance graduates out-earn the teacher education tracks by roughly $3,000 to $4,000 a year, and accounting tops the list. That gap matters because accounting also carries the heaviest debt here at $25,000, so the higher pay is doing real work to offset it.
The two teacher education programs sit at the bottom of the earnings list, near $38,000 to $39,500. They also carry the lightest debt, around $20,500, which softens the low pay. This fits Aberdeen and the surrounding South Dakota region, where teaching is a stable local career but not a high-paying one. If you plan to teach here, expect modest earnings and modest loans.
The main financial risk is the 52% graduation rate. Almost half of you won't finish in the measured window, and if you leave with debt and no degree, none of these earnings figures apply to you. The 75% retention rate shows most of you return after year one, so the risk concentrates in later years.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $30k, you pay $13,560. over $110k, you pay $18,673. The jump is largest between the $48-75k and $75-110k brackets, where price climbs about $2,800. This school fits you if you want an affordable degree in business or teaching close to home. If you're chasing high starting salaries, the ceiling here is low.
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.