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Northern State University

Northern State University is a public university in a remote town with 2,932 students and a 93% acceptance rate.

Aberdeen, South Dakota · Public · Town, remote · 2,932 students

NCAA Division II · Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference

Admission rate

93%

of applicants admitted

SAT average

1,089

combined, admitted students

ACT, middle half

18–24

25th to 75th percentile

Average net price

$15,812

per year, after grants

Graduation rate

49%

within 6 years

Freshman retention

75%

return for sophomore year

Median earnings

$47,618

10 years after entry

Students

2,932

total enrollment

Source: U.S. Dept. of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS) · data snapshot October 2, 2026 · Updated October 2, 2026

What families actually pay

Average yearly net price after grants, in-state students, by family income

$0–30,000$10,762
$30,001–48,000$12,087
$48,001–75,000$15,293
$75,001–110,000$18,372
Over $110,000$17,933

Source: U.S. Dept. of Education, College Scorecard · data snapshot October 2, 2026

Biggest majors

MajorGraduates
Elementary Education and Teaching33
Business Administration and Management25
Biology/Biological Sciences21
Psychology18
Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology17
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management12
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies12
Accounting10
Show the other 24 majors
English Language and Literature8
Marketing/Marketing Management8
Banking and Financial Support Services7
Music Teacher Education6
Finance6
History5
Sociology5
Social Studies Teacher Education5
Special Education and Teaching5
Graphic Design4
General Studies4
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching4
Political Science and Government3
Ecology3
Rhetoric and Composition3
Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management, Other3
English/Language Arts Teacher Education1
Biology Teacher Education1
History Teacher Education1
Art/Art Studies1
Fine/Studio Arts1
Music1
Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist1
International Business/Trade/Commerce1

Bachelor’s graduates, first major, most recent year · Source: U.S. Dept. of Education, IPEDS · data snapshot October 2, 2026

Scholarships

Amounts and eligibility change; check the college’s page for current details.

Sports and campus life

Men’s varsity · NCAA Division II, Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference

Baseball, Basketball, Football, Track and Field and Cross Country (combined), Wrestling

Women’s varsity · NCAA Division II, Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference

Basketball, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Diving (combined), Track and Field and Cross Country (combined), Volleyball

Faith groups

Newman Connection

Also

Honors college, Study abroad

Sources: U.S. Dept. of Education athletics data (EADA), connection.newmanministry.com · checked September 4, 2026 · data snapshot October 2, 2026

The place

Setting

Town, remote

Federal locale classification

Metro area

Aberdeen, SD

41,522 people

Big-city metro (1 million+)

No

More about the place

Nearest airport

Aberdeen Regional (ABR)

Nearest hub airport

Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain (MSP)

Walkability

EPA walkability index 7.7 of 20

Elevation

1,300 ft

Time zone

Central

January low

2°F

July high

83°F

Annual snowfall

42.7 in

Days at 90°F or higher

16 per year

One-bedroom fair market rent

$780 per month

Sources: U.S. Dept. of Education (IPEDS locale), U.S. Census metro estimates, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, EPA walkability · data snapshot October 2, 2026

Colleges nearby

Straight-line distance between campuses

Similar colleges

Public, town campus, NCAA Division II, similar size