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NS

Northern State University

Aberdeen, SDPublicTown Setting
Open Admission • 93% Acceptance
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Add to list:
93%
Accept Rate
Open Admission
$15,812
Avg Net Cost
After financial aid
1.3K
Students
Small campus body
$41,536
Median Earnings
6 Years Post-Graduation

Overview & Identity

Northern State University is a public institution located in the town setting of Aberdeen, SD. The university supports an undergraduate student body of 1.3K students and has an admission acceptance rate of 93%.

Quick Facts

Institution Type
Public
Student Population
1.3K (Small)
Admissions Selectivity
93% (Open Admission)
Predominant Degree
Bachelor's
Locale / Setting
Town

Admissions & Academics

Admitted Student Scores

SAT Reading490 - 590
200typical 50% range800
SAT Math490 - 570
200typical 50% range800
ACT Composite18 - 24
1typical 50% range36
93%
Acceptance Rate
Open Admission

Top Majors & Programs

Business & Marketing22% of degrees
Biological Sciences19% of degrees
Social Sciences5% of degrees

Programs / Fields of Study

Program
Credential
Earnings 4yr
Earnings 5yr
Debt
Biology, General.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $70,545
Earnings 5yr: $64,107
Debt: $25,300
Accounting and Related Services.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $67,072
Earnings 5yr: $56,764
Debt: $29,816
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $56,571
Earnings 5yr: $53,939
Debt: $27,000
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $53,484
Earnings 5yr: $53,946
Debt: $24,500
Sociology.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $50,765
Earnings 5yr: N/A
Debt: N/A
Curriculum and Instruction.
Credential: Master's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $49,669
Earnings 5yr: $51,852
Debt: N/A
Finance and Financial Management Services.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $48,324
Earnings 5yr: $70,144
Debt: N/A
Psychology, General.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $45,921
Earnings 5yr: $52,374
Debt: N/A
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: $44,147
Earnings 5yr: $44,043
Debt: $24,242
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.
Credential: Master's Degree
Earnings 4yr: N/A
Earnings 5yr: $54,761
Debt: N/A
Marketing.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: N/A
Earnings 5yr: $47,201
Debt: $26,000
Applied Mathematics.
Credential: Master's Degree
Earnings 4yr: N/A
Earnings 5yr: N/A
Debt: N/A
Area Studies.
Credential: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Earnings 4yr: N/A
Earnings 5yr: N/A
Debt: N/A
Area Studies.
Credential: Graduate/Professional Certificate
Earnings 4yr: N/A
Earnings 5yr: N/A
Debt: N/A
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management.
Credential: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Earnings 4yr: N/A
Earnings 5yr: N/A
Debt: N/A
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology.
Credential: Bachelor's Degree
Earnings 4yr: N/A
Earnings 5yr: N/A
Debt: N/A
Biology, General.
Credential: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Earnings 4yr: N/A
Earnings 5yr: N/A
Debt: N/A
Biotechnology.
Credential: Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Earnings 4yr: N/A
Earnings 5yr: N/A
Debt: N/A
Biotechnology.
Credential: Associate's Degree
Earnings 4yr: N/A
Earnings 5yr: N/A
Debt: N/A
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Credential: Associate's Degree
Earnings 4yr: N/A
Earnings 5yr: N/A
Debt: N/A

Tuition & Cost Portrait

Avg Net Price$15,812
In-State Tuition$8,845
Out-of-State Tuition$11,947
Net Price DifferentiatorAverage Net Price is what typical families actually pay out of pocket after receiving federal, state, and institutional grants and scholarships. It provides a more accurate metric of affordability than the sticker tuition.

Financial Assistance & Support

12%
Pell Grants
22%
Take Loans
65%
Repayment

Student Outcomes & ROI

Earnings Milestones Post-Graduation

6 Years Post-Entry
$41,536
+15% growth
10 Years Post-Entry
$47,618

Completion Signals

49%
Graduation Rate
4-Year Completion
77%
Retention Rate
1st-to-2nd Year Return
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,750
Est. Monthly Payment
$170/mo
Based on standard 10yr path

Campus & Demographics

Student Demographics & Community

Diversity Mix

Hover or tap a bubble above to explore detailed community insights.

Gender Balance

43%
Men
57%
Women
The campus gender distribution displays a split of 43% men and 57% women.

Student Vitals

First-Gen Share
31%
Part-Time Share
18%
Avg Family Income
$64,135
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