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Northern State University vs South Dakota State University

Northern State University is a public university in Aberdeen, SD. South Dakota State University is a public university in Brookings, SD. Northern State University admits about 93% of applicants and South Dakota State University about 98%, 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 $19,841 at South Dakota State University. About 61% of students graduate at South Dakota State University, compared with 51% at Northern State University. Ten years after enrolling, South Dakota State University alumni earn a median of about $55,070, against $47,618 for Northern State University.

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Northern State University

Aberdeen, SD · Public

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Aberdeen, SD
Brookings, SD
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,273
9,198
Acceptance rate
93%
98%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.16–3.66
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
980–1160
1060–1240
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,812
$19,841
Full cost / yr
$22,077
$24,636
In-state tuition
$8,845
$9,299
Out-of-state tuition
$11,947
$12,809
Application fee
$20
$20
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,762
$14,266
$30k - $48k
$12,087
$15,248
$48k - $75k
$15,293
$18,073
$75k - $110k
$18,372
$20,706
Over $110k
$17,933
$21,886
Outcomes
Graduation rate
51%
61%
Freshman retention
77%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,536
$49,564
Median earnings (10 yr)
$47,618
$55,070
Median debt at graduation
$22,320
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
17%
First-generation students
31%
20%
International students
2%
4%
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 Northern State University or South Dakota State University harder to get into?
Northern State University is harder to get into. It admits about 93% of applicants, compared with 98% at South Dakota State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Northern State University or South Dakota State University?
Northern State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,812 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,841 at South Dakota State University. 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 Northern State University and South Dakota State University?
Before aid, Northern State University costs about $22,077 a year and South Dakota State University about $24,636. 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, Northern State University or South Dakota State University?
Northern State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,762 there, against about $14,266 at South Dakota State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Northern State University or South Dakota State University?
South Dakota State University is the larger of the two, with about 9,198 undergraduates against 1,273 at Northern State University.
Does Northern State University or South Dakota State University have a better graduation rate?
South Dakota State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 61% against 51% at Northern State University.
Do graduates of Northern State University or South Dakota State University earn more?
South Dakota State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,070 ten years after enrolling, against about $47,618 for Northern State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Northern State University and South Dakota State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Northern State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. South Dakota State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Northern State University and South Dakota State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 980–1160 at Northern State University and 1060–1240 at South Dakota State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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