Northern State University
Public university · Aberdeen, SD · 1,273 undergraduates
Acceptance rate, SAT and ACT scores, cost, and financial aid
Acceptance rate
93%
Accessible
SAT (middle 50%)
980–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
Average net price
$15,279
per year, after grants
Cost of attendance
$22,410
per year, before aid
Graduation rate
52%
within 6 years
These numbers haven't been checked against official data yet. Values marked changed a lot or disagree with another source. Costs, aid, and policies change every year — always confirm on the college's website before you decide.
How hard is it to get into Northern State University?
Northern State University accepts about 93 of every 100 applicants (93%), which makes it accessible. This number changed a lot in the latest data, so confirm it with the college.
The middle half of admitted students scored between 980 and 1160 on the SAT. A score at or above 1160 puts you in the top quarter of admitted students; below 980, your scores are below most.
On the ACT, the middle half scored 18–24.
The latest federal data says Northern State University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Northern State University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
How much does Northern State University cost?
The full cost of attendance — tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses — is about $22,410 a year before financial aid.
After grants and scholarships, students who get federal aid pay $15,279 a year on average. Your price depends on your family's income — use the college's net price calculator for an estimate.
Tuition and fees are $9,824 for SD residents and $12,057 for out-of-state students.
- Tuition & fees (in-state)$9,824
- Tuition & fees (out-of-state)$12,057
- Room & board$10,922
- Total cost of attendance$22,410
- Average net price after grants$15,279
Popular majors
Education, Business, Biology, Liberal Arts & General Studies, Psychology.
Northern State University FAQ
- What is Northern State University's acceptance rate?
- 93% — accessible.
- What SAT score do you need for Northern State University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 980–1160. Aim for 1160 or higher to be above most admitted students.
- What ACT score do you need for Northern State University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 18–24.
- Is Northern State University test-optional?
- The latest federal data says Northern State University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Northern State University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
- How much does Northern State University cost?
- About $22,410 a year before aid; $15,279 on average after grants.
- What is Northern State University's FAFSA school code?
- 003466. Add it in the "Colleges" section of the FAFSA at studentaid.gov so Northern State University receives your information.
- What is Northern State University's graduation rate?
- 52% of students finish within six years.
Colleges similar to Northern State University
| College | Acceptance rate | SAT (middle 50%) | Avg. net price | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Hills State UniversitySpearfish, SD | 96% | 965–1135 | $19,252 | 42% |
| Dakota State UniversityMadison, SD | 88% | 1190–1440 | $20,554 | 49% |
| South Dakota State UniversityBrookings, SD | 98% | 1060–1240 | $20,139 | 62% |
| University of South DakotaVermillion, SD | 99% | 1125–1315 | $20,028 | 60% |
| University of Sioux FallsSioux Falls, SD | 83% | — | $21,417 | 64% |
| University of KentuckyLexington, KY | 93% | 1070–1290 | $18,868 | 72% |