Public Institution

Northern State University — Aberdeen, South Dakota

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Annual Tuition $8,845

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 92.8%

Open Admission

Enrollment 1,239

Active Students

Avg. Salary $47,618

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Aberdeen, South Dakota
Institution type Public
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Northern State University stands as a pillar of higher education in Aberdeen, providing a robust academic foundation for 1,239 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Northern State University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Northern State University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Education
20.2%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
19.9%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences
11.8%

Enrollment Share

Parks & Recreation
9.1%

Enrollment Share

Humanities
7.6%

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts
6.3%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Northern State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Parks & Recreation College

The Parks & Recreation program at Northern State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Northern State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Northern State University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 92.8%
Difficulty Low

Northern State University maintains an acceptance rate of 92.8%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 42.5%
Women Enrollment 57.6%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

ACT English 16 - 23
ACT Mathematics 17 - 25
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Northern State University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $8,845
Out-of-State Tuition $11,947

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 12%
Median Student Debt $22,320

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $8,845, graduates see a median starting salary of $47,618, making it one of the most affordable pathways in South Dakota.

What salary can Northern State University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $47,618

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 52.2%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $17,094
Median Salary (6yr) $41,536
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Northern State University in Aberdeen?

1,239 Students

Gender Comparison

42.5% Men
57.6% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

75.1%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
2.4%
Pacific Islander
0.1%
Asian
2.2%
Black
4.1%
White
79.9%
Unknown
0.4%
Hispanic
5.2%
Two or More Races
3.6%
International
2.1%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 21
🎓
First-Generation 30.7%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 55.3%
💍
Married Students 5.5%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 50%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $48,289
Average Family Income $64,134
Median Family Income $52,170

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

54%
46%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Aberdeen Campus Environment

Located at 1200 S Jay St, Northern State University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of South Dakota. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Northern State University

Is Northern State University a good college in Aberdeen, South Dakota?
Northern State University is a recognized institution in Aberdeen with an enrollment of 1,239 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in South Dakota.
Is Northern State University worth attending in 2026?
That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $47,618 on this page as a starting point for comparison.
How much does Northern State University cost for South Dakota residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Northern State University is approximately $8,845. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $11,947. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Northern State University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Northern State University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 55.3% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Northern State University good for Education and Business & Marketing programs?
Northern State University reports program activity in Education and Business & Marketing. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.
What career can I get after attending Northern State University?
Graduates of Northern State University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Education. With a median salary of $47,618, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Northern State University?
Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on Northern State University's official admissions website.
Does Northern State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on Northern State University's official admissions portal before applying.
What salary can Northern State University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Northern State University earn a median salary of $47,618 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Northern State University a good investment compared to other SD colleges?
Compare Northern State University's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in South Dakota to judge value for your goals.
Where is Northern State University located and what is the campus like?
Northern State University is located at 1200 S Jay St in Aberdeen, SD. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 1,239 learners.
Who typically attends Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD?
The student body at Northern State University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 30.7% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
🏆

2026 Rankings: South Dakota

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Northern State University with other leading institutions in South Dakota across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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