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National American University-Rapid City vs Northern State University

National American University-Rapid City is a private for-profit university in Rapid City, SD. Northern State University is a public university in Aberdeen, SD. Northern State University admits about 93% of applicants and National American University-Rapid City about 100%, making Northern State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $15,812 a year at Northern State University after aid, and about $31,062 at National American University-Rapid City. About 51% of students graduate at Northern State University, compared with 20% at National American University-Rapid City. Ten years after enrolling, Northern State University alumni earn a median of about $47,618, against $37,325 for National American University-Rapid City.

National American University-Rapid City

Rapid City, SD · Private (for-profit)

Northern State University

Aberdeen, SD · Public
At a glance
Type
Private (for-profit)
Public
Location
Rapid City, SD
Aberdeen, SD
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
764
1,273
Acceptance rate
100%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.7
3.16–3.66
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
980–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$31,062
$15,812
Full cost / yr
$34,452
$22,077
In-state tuition
$16,065
$8,845
Out-of-state tuition
$16,065
$11,947
Application fee
Not reported
$20
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$31,062
$10,762
$30k - $48k
Not reported
$12,087
$48k - $75k
Not reported
$15,293
$75k - $110k
Not reported
$18,372
Over $110k
Not reported
$17,933
Outcomes
Graduation rate
20%
51%
Freshman retention
33%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$29,641
$41,536
Median earnings (10 yr)
$37,325
$47,618
Median debt at graduation
$29,020
$22,320
Student body
Pell grant recipients
57%
12%
First-generation students
54%
31%
International students
3%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is National American University-Rapid City or Northern State University harder to get into?
Northern State University is harder to get into. It admits about 93% of applicants, compared with 100% at National American University-Rapid City. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, National American University-Rapid City or Northern State University?
Northern State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,812 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $31,062 at National American University-Rapid City. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at National American University-Rapid City and Northern State University?
Before aid, Northern State University costs about $22,077 a year and National American University-Rapid City about $34,452. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, National American University-Rapid City or Northern State University?
Northern State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,762 there, against about $31,062 at National American University-Rapid City. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, National American University-Rapid City or Northern State University?
Northern State University is the larger of the two, with about 1,273 undergraduates against 764 at National American University-Rapid City.
Does National American University-Rapid City or Northern State University have a better graduation rate?
Northern State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 51% against 20% at National American University-Rapid City.
Do graduates of National American University-Rapid City or Northern State University earn more?
Northern State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $47,618 ten years after enrolling, against about $37,325 for National American University-Rapid City. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do National American University-Rapid City and Northern State University require SAT or ACT scores?
National American University-Rapid City is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northern State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

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