Northern State University
NSU
Aberdeen, South Dakota 57401-7198
Data last updated: May 29, 2026
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
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
77.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
1.1%/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%
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.
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
Estimated from SD state average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
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