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Northern State University

Aberdeen, South Dakota · Public · 1,273 undergrads

Northern State University admits 93% of applicants (fall 2024, federal IPEDS data).

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Can I get into Northern State University?

93% of applicants get in

Nearly everyone who applies gets in. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 980–1160 on the SAT.

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Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.

1,086 applied, 1,010 admitted, fall 2024 (IPEDS).

What does Northern State University cost?

$15,279 a year in-state

Out of state: about $17,512 a year

What in-state students who got federal aid paid on average after grants, 2024-25. The in-state sticker price, with housing and food, is $22,410.

Tap your family income:

Average paid after grants by family income
under $30,000$13,929
$30,000–$48,000$11,740
$48,000–$75,000$13,310
$75,000–$110,000$16,293
over $110,000$17,316

Out-of-state tuition is $12,057 a year, against $9,824 in state. The out-of-state figure adds that $2,233 to the in-state average. Out-of-state students usually get less aid, so many pay more.

Own a business or have divorced parents? Run Northern State University's own calculator.

Net price 2024-25, College Scorecard.

Does Northern State University need the SAT or ACT?Not checked yet

Not sure yet

We haven't checked Northern State University's fall 2027 rule yet. Northern State University didn't require scores for fall 2024 (federal data). We haven't checked fall 2027 yet, so confirm on its site.

Which colleges require scores

IPEDS, fall 2024. Northern State University's site

What it's like

1,273
undergrads. Small, so classes are small and you'll know a lot of faces.
Town
Campus setting in Aberdeen, SD.
77%
of first-years come back for year two.
27%
finish in four years. 52% within six.
$51k
median pay 10 years after starting.
$19.5k
median federal debt at graduation.

Lists Northern State University is on

Colleges for a 1050 SATColleges for a 21 ACTCheapest after aid, families over $110kCheapest out-of-state tuitionEasiest colleges to get into

Questions people ask

What is Northern State University's acceptance rate?
93% for fall 2024: 1,010 of 1,086 applicants were admitted (IPEDS).
What SAT score do you need for Northern State University?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 980 to 1160 (IPEDS, fall 2024). A quarter scored higher and a quarter lower, so a score in that range is typical, not a cutoff.
How much does Northern State University cost for a family earning $60,000?
In-state families earning $48,000–$75,000 paid an average of $13,310 a year after grants in 2024-25 (students who got federal aid). The sticker price is $22,410.
How much does Northern State University cost for out-of-state students?
Out-of-state tuition at Northern State University is $12,057 a year, against $9,824 for in-state students in 2025-26. In-state students who got federal aid paid $15,279 on average after grants in 2024-25. Adding the $2,233 tuition gap gives about $17,512 a year from out of state. Out-of-state students usually get less aid, so many pay more.
What is Northern State University's graduation rate?
52% of students finish within six years and 27% within four (IPEDS).