Northern State University

Northern State University is located in Aberdeen, SD, 57401. The university is ranked #61 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

Northern State University has an acceptance rate of 93%, providing broad access to higher education and welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 980-1160 and ACT scores of 19-24. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.4.

Northern State University enrolls 3,169 undergraduate students, creating a mid-sized community where students can explore diverse academic interests while still being recognized by their professors. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 58% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 28%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at Northern State University include Elementary Education and Teaching (13% of students, median early-career salary: $44,043), Business Administration and Management, General (11% of students, median early-career salary: $53,939), and Biology/Biological Sciences, General (9% of students, median early-career salary: $64,107). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

Room and board adds approximately $10,922. However, the average net price after financial aid is $17,523, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. Need-based aid averages $14,127 per recipient, demonstrating the institution's commitment to making education financially accessible. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with Northern State University's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. Northern State University combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether Northern State University is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.