Northern State University is a public 4-year college in Aberdeen, South Dakota with 1,273 undergraduates. It admits 93% of applicants, costs an average of $15,279 a year after grants and graduates 53% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Northern State University acceptance rate and admissions
Northern State University admitted 93% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 490 to 590, math 490 to 570). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Northern State University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26) | $9,824 |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees, out-of-state (2025-26) | $12,057 |
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $10,922 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $22,410 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $15,279 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $15,279 a year after grants and scholarships, $7,131 less than the full cost of attendance. This figure covers in-state students.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students paying in-state tuition, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Northern State University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Northern State University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 53% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $51,006 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $19,500 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 38% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Northern State University majors and what graduates earn
Northern State University awarded bachelor's degrees in 31 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from biology ($70,545).
All 31 majors at Northern State University
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Northern State University
10 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 10 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Instruction | Master's | 17 | $49,342 | n/a |
| Teacher education by subject | Master's | 15 | n/a | n/a |
| Kinesiology and exercise science | Master's | 15 | $42,261 | n/a |
| Education leadership | Master's | 10 | $60,580 | n/a |
| Applied mathematics | Master's | 10 | n/a | n/a |
| Finance | Master's | 6 | n/a | n/a |
| Mental health counseling | Master's | 5 | n/a | n/a |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design | Master's | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Special education | Master's | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| School counseling and student services | Master's | 2 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 1,273 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 57% women, 43% men
- 19 students for every faculty member
- Setting: remote town
- Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Northern State University?
Northern State University admitted 93% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Northern State University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $9,824 for in-state students and $12,057 for out-of-state students. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $15,279 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Northern State University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 490 to 590 in reading and writing and 490 to 570 in math, and 18 to 24 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Northern State University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Northern State University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Northern State University?
53% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Northern State University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $51,006 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in South Dakota · Northern State University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.