Campus Vibe
Known for business — close-knit campus
Northern State University is a public institution in Aberdeen with particular strength in business and biology. With an average SAT of 1090, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A small campus of 1.2K undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
52% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $47,618 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $17,094.
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Northern State University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
76.7%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$15,750
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
8
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (60)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
75%
- •75% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •In the 1885 legislative session, a bill was passed creating what was then known as the University of Central Dakota in the small town of Ordway, South Dakota.
- •Funds were approved for the school in the 1887 legislative session, but Governor Louis K.
- •In 1900 Aberdeen had the fastest-growing population in northern South Dakota and advocates for school began to organize in greater numbers.
- •On March 2, 1899, the new school existed on paper, but both a site and funding were still needed.
- •The committee met through most of early 1899 and adjourned in late spring before making a decision.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
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