Northern State University Overview

Northern State University is a four-year, full-time, inclusive, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Aberdeen, SD. It has an enrollment of 1,344 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 79.82%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $16,810. Tuition is $8,845.00 without financial aid.

Northern State University is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Northern State University, 68.42% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Northern State University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1.

Northern State University Website

Northern State University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 79.82%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required

• The average SAT score was 1086.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 21.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

Northern State University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $16,810. The in-state tuition is $8,845.00. Out-of-state tuition is $11,947.00

The average tuition is:

• $12,686, when family income is less than $30,000

• $15,992, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $17,487, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $18,741, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $18,269, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 27.39% of students received a federal student loan and 13.54% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $11,947.00 without financial aid, or the in-state tuition discount.

Northern State University Net Price Calculator

Northern State University Majors/Salaries

Northern State University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Northern State University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Curriculum and Instruction. (Master’s Degree) – $43,575
• Student Counseling and Personnel Services. (Master’s Degree) – $44,021
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,523
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $20,824
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
• Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,060
• Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Master’s Degree) – $34,526
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,439
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,060
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,598
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,728
• Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,682
• Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,123
• Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685

Northern State University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Northern State University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 1.93%
• Asian: 1.86%
• Black: 2.90%
• Hispanic: 5.13%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.07%
• Non-resident alien: 2.75%
• Two or more races: 3.50%
• Unknown: 0.60%
• White: 81.25%

At Northern State University, 8.41% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Northern State University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Northern State University?

Northern State University, located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, has a strong school spirit. The university currently sponsors 15 NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletic teams that compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, and many students attend games and events to support their fellow Wolves. In addition to athletics, there are also over 100 student organizations on campus that allow students to get involved and show their school spirit. The annual Gypsy Day student-led parade and festival is also a highlight of the NSU community, bringing together students, alumni, and community members in celebration. Overall, Northern State University has a great sense of pride and camaraderie among its students, faculty, and staff.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Northern State University?

Northern State University offers a variety of extracurricular activities to its students. Some of the popular extracurriculars at NSU include: 1. Athletic teams – NSU offers a range of sports for students, including basketball, cross country, football, soccer, track and field, and volleyball. 2. Music groups – The university has a number of music groups, including the Concert Choir, Jazz Band, and Orchestra. 3. Theater productions – NSU has a theater program that puts on multiple productions each academic year. 4. Student organizations – There are over 60 student organizations at NSU, including academic, cultural, and social groups. 5. Volunteer opportunities – NSU encourages its students to give back to the community, and there are many volunteer opportunities available both on and off campus. 6. Intramural sports – NSU has a range of intramural sports leagues for students who want to stay active and have fun. These are just a few examples of the extracurriculars available to students at NSU.

How are the food choices at Northern State University?

Northern State University offers a range of food choices for its students. The university has a dining hall, cafes, and food courts where students can choose from a variety of food options, including vegetarian and vegan options. The dining hall offers a daily rotating menu with different food stations, including classics, pizza, grill, deli, and salad bar. The cafes and food courts offer a selection of sandwiches, soups, snacks, and beverages. Northern State University also partners with local restaurants and food vendors to provide additional food options for students. Overall, students at Northern State University have a variety of food choices to fit their preferences and dietary needs.

Is there Greek life at Northern State University?

Yes, Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota has Greek life organizations on its campus. There are three fraternities and one sorority at NSU: Delta Chi, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Tau Kappa Epsilon, and Sigma Alpha Iota. Greek life at Northern State University offers students the opportunity to develop leadership skills, participate in community service, and socialize with other students who share similar interests.

What is Northern State University known for?

Northern State University (NSU) is a public university located in Aberdeen, South Dakota. It is known for its excellent teacher education programs in the region. NSU’s School of Education has a long-standing reputation for preparing top-quality teachers for schools in South Dakota and beyond. NSU is also known for its strong business programs in areas such as accounting, banking, finance, and economics. Additionally, the university offers a variety of majors in other fields, including biology, art, music, and more. Overall, NSU is known for providing high-quality education at an affordable price, making it an attractive choice for students interested in pursuing higher education in South Dakota.

What are the most popular school clubs at Northern State University?

Northern State University offers a variety of student clubs and organizations. Some of the most popular school clubs at Northern State University are: 1) Campus Activities Board (CAB) 2) Student Government Association (SGA) 3) Northern State University Theatre Company 4) Alpha Xi Delta – Women’s Fraternity 5) Fellowship of Christian Athletes 6) Northern State University Dance Marathon 7) Environmental Club 8) Music Club 9) Aviation Club 10) NSU Gaming Club

Is the campus at Northern State University safe?

Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota has a relatively safe campus. The University takes campus safety seriously and provides its students with on-campus security, 24/7 video surveillance, a campus emergency alert system, and various resources for reporting any safety concerns. However, as with any campus, it is important for students to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings, especially when walking alone at night or in unfamiliar areas. It is also recommended that students take advantage of the campus security escorts offered by the university.