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Northern State University vs University of South Dakota

Northern State University is a public university in Aberdeen, SD, and University of South Dakota is a public university in Vermillion, SD. Northern State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 93% of applicants against 99% at University of South Dakota. Northern State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,812 a year against $19,858 at University of South Dakota. About 61% of students graduate at University of South Dakota, compared with 51% at Northern State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of South Dakota alumni earn a median of about $51,926, against $47,618 for Northern State University.

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Northern State University

Aberdeen, SD · Public

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Aberdeen, SD
Vermillion, SD
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,273
5,439
Acceptance rate
93%
99%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.16–3.66
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
980–1160
1125–1315
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,812
$19,858
Full cost / yr
$22,077
$24,422
In-state tuition
$8,845
$9,432
Out-of-state tuition
$11,947
$12,942
Application fee
$20
$20
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,762
$14,921
$30k - $48k
$12,087
$15,942
$48k - $75k
$15,293
$18,540
$75k - $110k
$18,372
$21,202
Over $110k
$17,933
$22,193
Outcomes
Graduation rate
51%
61%
Freshman retention
77%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,536
$46,290
Median earnings (10 yr)
$47,618
$51,926
Median debt at graduation
$22,320
$23,592
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
19%
First-generation students
31%
24%
International students
2%
7%
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 University of South Dakota harder to get into?
Northern State University is harder to get into. It admits about 93% of applicants, compared with 99% at University of South Dakota. 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 University of South Dakota?
Northern State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,812 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,858 at University of South Dakota. 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 University of South Dakota?
Before aid, Northern State University costs about $22,077 a year and University of South Dakota about $24,422. 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 University of South Dakota?
Northern State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,762 there, against about $14,921 at University of South Dakota. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Northern State University or University of South Dakota?
University of South Dakota is the larger of the two, with about 5,439 undergraduates against 1,273 at Northern State University.
Does Northern State University or University of South Dakota have a better graduation rate?
University of South Dakota has the higher graduation rate, at about 61% against 51% at Northern State University.
Do graduates of Northern State University or University of South Dakota earn more?
University of South Dakota alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,926 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 University of South Dakota require SAT or ACT scores?
Northern State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of South Dakota is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Northern State University and University of South Dakota look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 980–1160 at Northern State University and 1125–1315 at University of South Dakota. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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