Northern State University's published cost of attendance is $22,077. Net price by income band reflects the university's public tuition structure and need-based aid reach: low-income families pay approximately $10,762, middle-income families pay around $15,293, and higher-income families pay approximately $17,933.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $22,077 |
| Tuition and Fees | $11,947 |
| Room and Board | $10,600 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$6,265 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $15,812 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,762 |
| $30–48k | $12,087 |
| $48–75k | $15,293 |
| $75–110k | $18,372 |
| $110k+ | $17,933 |
Northern State University's published cost of attendance is $22,077. Net price by income band reflects the university's public tuition structure and need-based aid reach: low-income families pay approximately $10,762, middle-income families pay around $15,293, and higher-income families pay approximately $17,933. Azimuth ranks Northern State University #382 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Northern State participates in federal (Pell Grants, Direct Loans), state, and institutional aid programs. Families apply for need-based aid using the FAFSA, and the university's aid structure prioritizes closing the gap between published cost and what families actually pay. The affordability rank reflects both the headline sticker price and the debt load graduates carry out, accounting for how net price and sticker price can differ substantially across income levels. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $22,320, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $12,500; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $53,116, median federal debt of $22,320 projects to a monthly payment of about $252 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Northern State University earn median 4-year earnings of $53,116, placing Northern State University in the 12.9 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $1,119 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Northern State University in the 53.3 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Northern State University #873 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. The earnings pattern reflects Northern State University's concentrated focus on education and related fields. Teacher Education is the largest program with 34 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $44,147, representing 0.9× the national benchmark for the field. Subject-Specific Teacher Education and Biology, General follow as substantial enrollment clusters, with Biology, General graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $70,545 and benchmarking at 1.2× the national standard. Business Administration and Kinesiology round out the top five, with Business Administration earning $56,571 and Kinesiology earning $53,484. The institution's program mix, anchored by Education, produces outcomes that align with regional labor-market demand for educators and related professionals in SD.
