About Northern State University

Founded in 1901, Northern State University. is a Public college. Located in South Dakota, which is a city setting in South Dakota, the campus itself is Town. The campus is home to 3,075 full time undergraduate students, and 512 full time graduate students.

The Northern State University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 20:1. There are 94 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Northern State University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate81%
Application Deadline
Application Fee20
SAT Range870-1050
ACT Range17-24

Admissions at NSU are considered Less Selective, with ,14% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 32 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

56% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 21% were in the top quarter, and 9% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Northern State University.

7%
“We”re apathetic”
36%
“We know about current events and vote”
57%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
0%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
20%
“Sometimes, but not often”
60%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
20%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
47%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
53%
“I feel extremely safe”
7%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
33%
“We bought the gear”
60%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
7%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
60%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
33%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
79%
“They keep regular office hours”
21%
“They”re always available”
60%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
40%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
13%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
60%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
27%
“We only party on weekends”
0%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
20%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
80%
“There might be people who do”
0%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
7%
“We”re apathetic”
36%
“We know about current events and vote”
57%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
0%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
20%
“Sometimes, but not often”
60%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
20%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
47%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
53%
“I feel extremely safe”
7%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
33%
“We bought the gear”
60%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
7%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
60%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
33%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
79%
“They keep regular office hours”
21%
“They”re always available”
60%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
40%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
13%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
60%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
27%
“We only party on weekends”
0%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
20%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
80%
“There might be people who do”
0%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    27 Students rated on-campus housing 3.9 stars. 26 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    23 Students rated off-campus housing 3.7 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    28 Students rated campus food 3.2 stars. 14 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    28 Students rated campus facilities 4 stars. 32 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    29 Students rated class size 4.3 stars. 55 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    28 Students rated school activities 4 stars. 50 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    28 Students rated local services 4.3 stars. 50 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    29 Students rated academics 4.5 stars. 62 % gave the school a 5.0.

Northern State University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Northern State University?

19 Students rated Northern State University

Joy - 07/08/2022

In my opinion I believe northern state is a great university to attend for everyone. Personally, I went here because they are known for having a great education program. I love that they are all so welcoming and polite. I feel like Northern goes out of there way to help the people who are unsure of who they are, to help them see that they fit in, and I love that. I would totally recommend this school to people all around the country.

Edna - 06/23/2021

AVOID! Do not go here. Faculty say negative remarks about one another, fellow students are unmotivated and don't care about learning at all, and the atmosphere is just super bleak and depressing. Lots of shady business and gossip in campus, including how President Downs got kicked out after his provost also got fired for having an affair with the secretary. BLABERDEEN is an awful town to live in with nothing to do except drink and do drugs, so find a more prestigious college like SDSU, USD or better yet, go to UNOmaha or UNLincoln.

Roko - 06/11/2020

I love Northern State University and I view it as my second home, but there are some things it should be worked on. In my opinion, the biggest problems are campus food and academics. Food did get better, but there is a lot of room for improvement. In some of the departments, professors should include different types of learning the material rather than sticking with one they are the most comfortable with.

Tyra - 05/12/2020

Northern State University has provided the perfect home away from home for me as I have pursued my dream career. It's small atmosphere has created a wonderful community on campus. The small class size allows for professors to teach with the specific needs of students in mind. Many times, classes are not just lecture but student lead discussion and hands on learning. The professors are truly there to help you become the best version of yourself. As for campus activities, there is always plenty to do. Our Campus Activities Board works hard to hear what the students want and provide us with the opportunities to experience them. Counselors, health facilities, and advisors are only a few of the many support systems Northern has. Making lasting friendships, achieving a good education, and enjoying life as you go are what make Northern students proud to be a Wolf!

Northern State University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Northern State University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Northern State University is 81%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    Don't skip over any options. Look into every opportunity.

    Read all 22 answers

  3. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Northern has a very small community feel, like we are all just one big family.

    Read all 6 answers

  4. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    It is a small school, which can be either good or bad. It often means small class sizes in select disciplines. There are still relatively large lecture classes, though.

    Read all 5 answers

  5. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Someone who is not looking for a huge college but still wants a great education should attend NSU. We have great education and business schools! If you do not like a small town feel you should not attend.

    Read all 5 answers

  6. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    Small classroom sizes and easy to get around campus.

    Read all 4 answers

  7. What's unique about your campus?

    I would say the student-teacher ratio is the best thing about Nothern. You really get a great education with less than 30 students in most classes. Otherwise the people are just wonderful and so kind in Aberdeen, SD.

    Read all 4 answers

  8. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Some one that is worried more about the weather and how many people there are. A lot of people from big places with nice weather don't like to go there.

    Read all 4 answers

  9. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I would have known that just because you declare a major doesn't mean you have to start taking classes designated for that major as a freshman. I wish I would have taken a more broad selection of classes during my first semester.

    Read all 3 answers

  10. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The must frustrating thing about my school was the fact that it did not offer much for graduate programs.

    Read all 3 answers

  11. Describe the students at your school.

    NSU students are a fantastic sort of people who are burgeoning with potential, a sense of community, philosophical concepts, and scholarly drive all while maintaining an almost rabid interest in protecting and encouraging all cultural and racial things which they have never been exposed to prior to their collegiate career.

    Read all 2 answers

  12. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    We have always been a teachers' college.

    Read all 2 answers

  13. What's the Greek scene like?

    The school is too small for Greek life.

    Read all 1 answers

  14. What's the hardest thing about freshman year?

    The freshman dorm is the farthest dorm from campus and it's a crappy walk to classes when it's cold.

    Read all 1 answers

  15. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    That it is fun and able to have to have a social life and a school life.

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

57%

female

43%

male

3,075

Total Undergrad Enrollment

512

Total Grad Students

31%

Out-Of-State

66%

In-State

3%

International

Organizations

100

Student Organizations

N/A

Fraternities

N/A

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

27%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
2%
% Asian/Pacific Islander
1%
% Black or African-American
1%
% Hispanic/Latino
3%
% White or Caucasian
82%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

96% of students attending Northern State University receive some sort of financial aid. 42% were awarded federal grants. While 68% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$10,803

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,200

Books and Supplies

$7,520

Room and Board

19,523

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$12,175
$30 - $48K
$12,202
$48 - $75K
$15,020
$75 - $110K
$16,681
$110K & UP
$16,626

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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