Students at Northern State University benefit from exceptionally affordable education with virtually guaranteed loan repayment success, as evidenced by the 0% federal default rate.
The university combines low net prices across all income levels with modest debt burdens, creating a financially sustainable path to a college degree.
Northern State University ranks in the middle tier of public four-year institutions nationwide, reflecting its role as a regional university focused on accessible education and community service. Located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, NSU serves a student body where about 31% are first-generation college students, though only 12% receive Pell Grants, indicating it primarily serves middle-income families from the region.
As a small public university, NSU offers the benefits of close faculty relationships and a tight-knit campus community. Graduates earn a median of $47,618 ten years after enrollment, which aligns with typical outcomes for regional universities in the upper Midwest. The university's affordability is solid across income levels, with low-income students paying about $13,560 annually and middle-income families seeing costs around $16,444.
NSU's strength lies in providing a traditional college experience at a manageable cost, particularly for students who plan to build careers in South Dakota or the broader region. While earnings outcomes are modest compared with larger research universities, the combination of low debt levels and reasonable net prices makes it a practical choice for families prioritizing affordability and accessibility over maximum earning potential.
Northern State University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a regional institution serving workforce needs across South Dakota and neighboring states. Business Administration leads both in enrollment and economic impact, graduating 40 students annually with median earnings around $40,728—a solid foundation for careers in management, banking, and entrepreneurship throughout the region.
Education programs represent another core strength, with Adult and Continuing Education graduating 28 students who earn about $39,523 early in their careers. This reflects NSU's long-standing role in preparing teachers and educational leaders for rural and small-town schools across the upper Midwest. Biology, with 23 graduates earning $38,289, serves as preparation for healthcare careers, graduate school, or environmental work—all important sectors in the regional economy.
As a focused institution, NSU concentrates on programs that directly serve regional workforce needs rather than pursuing broad research university breadth. This approach creates strong employer relationships and practical career preparation, though it means fewer high-earning technical fields compared with larger universities.
Northern State University graduates achieve steady, if modest, long-term earnings outcomes. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $47,618, which places the university around the national average for public institutions. While these earnings are lower than what graduates might see at larger research universities, they reflect the regional job market and the types of careers that NSU graduates typically pursue.
The university's program mix centers on practical, career-focused fields that serve regional workforce needs. Business Administration and Management is the standout program, combining the largest enrollment with solid earnings outcomes—40 graduates earn a median of $40,728, making it the highest aggregate return major. Adult and Continuing Education represents another significant program with 28 graduates earning around $39,523, while Biology graduates 23 students annually with median earnings of $38,289. These programs reflect NSU's focus on education, business, and health-related fields that provide stable employment in smaller communities and rural areas throughout South Dakota and the upper Midwest.
Northern State University delivers strong affordability across all income levels, making it accessible to a broad range of South Dakota families. Low-income students pay about $13,560 per year, well below what most public universities charge, while middle-income families see annual costs around $16,444. Even high-income families pay a reasonable $18,673, reflecting the university's commitment to keeping education accessible regardless of family financial circumstances.
Debt levels remain very manageable for most NSU students. Typical graduates leave with about $22,320 in federal student loan debt, and Parent PLUS borrowing averages just $10,111—both figures that are quite reasonable given the university's moderate tuition structure. The combination of affordable net prices and modest borrowing means that most graduates can handle their debt payments comfortably, especially given that NSU maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that virtually all borrowers successfully manage their repayment obligations.
Northern State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
