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Northern State University

Aberdeen, South Dakota — 1200 S Jay St, 57401-7198

Annual Tuition $8,845
Enrollment 1,239
Acceptance Rate 92.8%
Median Salary $47,618

Northern State University is a leading Public institution located in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Established to provide high-quality education, Northern State University offers a range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence in the United States region.

Northern State University Quick Facts
Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
Location Aberdeen, South Dakota
Type Public
Total Enrollment 1,239 students
Median Salary $47,618

Northern State University — Institution Overview

Institution Name Northern State University
Location Aberdeen, South Dakota
Official Website https://northern.edu/
Address 1200 S Jay St
Aberdeen, SD 57401-7198
Institution Type Public
Total Students 1,239

Northern State University Admissions Process

Acceptance Rate 92.8% Open Admission
Avg. SAT Score 1,090 out of 1600
ACT Midpoint 21 out of 36
ACT Math 21 midpoint
ACT English 20 midpoint

Northern State University Tuition Fees and Costs

In-State Tuition $8,845
Out-of-State Tuition $11,947
Pell Grant Rate 12%
Median Debt (Completers) $22,320

The Real Cost

Average net price after aid, grouped by household income.

Net price after aid

Northern State University cost by family income

These are the average out-of-pocket costs after grants and scholarships, based on U.S. Department of Education reporting.

Family income $0 - $30,000 $13,560/yr
Family income $30,001 - $48,000 $14,226/yr
Family income $48,001 - $75,000 $16,444/yr
Family income $75,001 - $110,000 $19,236/yr

Low-income families under $30k pay an average of $13,560 per year. This band often benefits most from Pell Grants and institutional aid.

Calculate your personal aid

Opens the official Federal Student Aid Estimator.

Admission Chance

Compare your SAT or ACT score with the middle 50% of enrolled students.

92.8% acceptance rate

Is Northern State University hard to get into?

ACT score range

18 - 24

25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students

Check your admission chances

Enter your score to see whether this school is a reach, target, or safety option.

Major Spotlight

Top programs by early-career earnings from this institution.

Top 3 by early salary

Based on median earnings two years after graduation from Northern State University, using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.

1

Student Counseling and Personnel Services. salary after Northern State University

Master's Degree
Steady earning
2yr salary $44,021 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
4yr: $50,278
2

Curriculum and Instruction. salary after Northern State University

Master's Degree
Steady earning
2yr salary $43,575 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $51,127 4yr: $48,667
3

Accounting and Related Services. salary after Northern State University

Bachelor's Degree
Steady earning
2yr salary $42,682 median/yr
Median debt $29,816 at graduation
Salary/debt 143% ROI ratio
1yr: $51,239 4yr: $49,063

Salary data reflects U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reporting.

Northern State University Acceptance Rate and Enrollment Statistics

92.8% Open Admission

Acceptance rate based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education data.

Total Students 1,239
Undergrad 650
Retention Rate 75.1% full-time
Full-Time Students 80.5%

Courses and Academic Programs at Northern State University

10 programs
Program Name
Degree
Graduates
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Bachelor's
Graduates 66
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Bachelor's
Graduates 66
Curriculum and Instruction.
Master's
Graduates 54
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Bachelor's
Graduates 44
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.
Bachelor's
Graduates 39
Biology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 34
Special Education and Teaching.
Bachelor's
Graduates 33
Marketing.
Bachelor's
Graduates 28
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.
Master's
Graduates 27
Accounting and Related Services.
Bachelor's
Graduates 27
Showing top 10 of 47 programs by graduates

Career Opportunities and Alumni Network at Northern State University

Median Salary (10 yrs after entry) $47,618 U.S. Dept. of Education
Median (6 yrs) $41,536
Graduation Rate 52.2% 4-year (150%)
4-Year Graduation Rate
Graduate Earnings Timeline — Northern State University
Timeframe After Entry Median Earnings
6 Years After Entry $41,536
10 Years After Entry $47,618
Is Northern State University Worth It? — ROI Analysis 2026
Average Net Price $17,094
Median Career Earnings (10 yrs) $47,618
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate 113800%

Campus Life and Student Facilities at Northern State University

Total Students 1,239
Undergrad 650
Graduate 589
Retention Rate 75.1% full-time

Gender Breakdown

57.6%
42.5%
Women Men

Enrollment Type

Full-time 80.5%
Part-time
Full-time Part-time

Diversity & Ethnicity

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

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 21
🎓
First-Generation 30.7%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 55.3%
💍
Married Students 5.5%
📅
Students Age 25+ 7%
🔄
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
Student-Faculty Ratio 17:1 students per faculty member

Scholarships and Grants at Northern State University

Northern State University participates in federal financial aid programs. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and reflects the most recently available award year. Students should contact the financial aid office directly for current scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, and merit-based awards.

Pell Grant Rate 12% of students
Federal Loan Rate 23.3% of students
Avg Net Price $17,094 after aid
Median Debt $22,320 completers

Average Net Price by Family Income

Income Bracket Net Price / Year

Student Debt Overview

Median Debt — Completers $22,320
Cumulative Debt — 25th Percentile $6,621
Cumulative Debt — 75th Percentile $27,000

Financial aid availability, grant amounts, and scholarship criteria change each award year. Contact Northern State University's financial aid office or visit the official website for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Northern State University Rankings and Accreditation

Institution Type Public
Geographic Region United States
Title IV Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
4-Year Graduation Rate 52.2%
Median Graduate Salary $47,618
Data Source U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard & IPEDS (2026)

Institutional accreditation status is maintained by regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Title IV approval (above) confirms Northern State University meets eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.

Housing and Campus Location for Northern State University

Frequently Asked Questions about Northern State University

What is the acceptance rate at Northern State University?

Northern State University has an acceptance rate of 92.8%, making it an accessible institution with moderate admissions standards.

How much is tuition at Northern State University?

Tuition at Northern State University is $8,845 per year. Net price and financial aid options may reduce this cost significantly depending on individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for graduates of Northern State University?

Graduates of Northern State University earn a median salary of $47,618 per year, based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education earnings data.

Where is Northern State University located?

Northern State University is located at 1200 S Jay St, Aberdeen, South Dakota 57401-7198. The campus is situated in the United States region of the United States.

Contact Facts

Data sourced from 2026 US Dept. of Ed

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