# Northern State University

Aberdeen, SD. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/northern-state-university

Northern State University is a public college in Aberdeen, SD with 1,273 undergraduates. It admits 93% of applicants, and admitted students average 1089 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $15,279 per year ($13,929 for families earning under $30,000). 53% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $51,006 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 93% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 1,082 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 1,004 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 490–590 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 490–570 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 18–24 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $22,410 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $15,279 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $13,929 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $11,740 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $13,310 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $16,293 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $17,316 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 1,273 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 53% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $51,006 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $19,500 (FY2024) |

## What Northern State University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Required
- Class rank: Required
- Essay or personal statement: Considered
- Recommendations: Considered
- Demonstrated competencies: Not considered
- Legacy status: Not considered
- Work experience: Not considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is Northern State University's acceptance rate?**

Northern State University admits 93% of applicants, which makes it open.

**What SAT score do you need for Northern State University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 490–590 on SAT Reading and Writing and 490–570 on SAT Math; the average total is 1089.

**What ACT score do you need for Northern State University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 18–24.

**Is Northern State University test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to Northern State University?**

In Fall 2023, 1,082 students applied to Northern State University and 1,004 were admitted; 319 enrolled.

**Does Northern State University consider legacy status?**

No. Northern State University reported that legacy status is not considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Northern State University require an essay?**

Northern State University reported that an essay or personal statement is considered for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Northern State University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $22,410 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $15,279.

**What is Northern State University's graduation rate?**

53% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 219259. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology