Despite a high sticker price, this school is affordable for many families due to generous need-based aid.
Cost Calculator
What You'll Pay at Northern State University
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
The Cost Formula
Tuition
$12K
+
Room
$11K
+
Books
$1,200
=
Sticker Price
$22,077
$12K+$11K+$1,200=$22,077
Your Family Income
Sticker
$22,077
−
Your Aid
$6,784
=
Net Price
$15,293
All Income Levels
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
Northern State University Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Summary
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
Northern State University Net Price by Family Income Level
Family Income
Net Price
$0–30k
$10,762
$30–48k
$12,087
$48–75k
$15,293
$75–110k
$18,372
$110k+
$17,933
Understanding Your Aid Package
Northern State University has a sticker price of $22,077 per year, but most students pay significantly less after financial aid. The actual cost depends heavily on your family's income level.
Key Facts
Sticker price: $22,077/year
Average aid: $6,265 in grants & scholarships
$48–75K families pay: ~$15,293/year
Low-income families: Pay ~$10,762/year
12% of students receive Pell Grants
Financial Aid Profile
💰
12%
Pell Grant Recipients
Lower-income students receiving federal aid
🎓
31%
First-Generation Students
Parents without bachelor's degree
Get personalized cost estimates and assess whether borrowing makes sense.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Typical Debt
Median Student Debt$22,320
Range (25th–75th)$6,621 – $27,000
Median Parent PLUS Loans$12,500
Debt Manageability
0.42x
Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
3-Year Default Rate0.0%
Return on Investment
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Median Earnings (10yr)
$47,618
Earnings Growth
+15%
6 → 10 years post-graduation
Value Added
+$-1,119
53th percentile among peers
Earnings Range (10yr post-graduation)
$32,556
25th %ile
$63,985
75th %ile
Frequently Asked Questions about Northern State University Cost & Financial Aid
Northern State University's published tuition is $22,077 per year. However, after financial aid, the average student pays $15,293—a difference of $6,784.
Families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of $10,762 at Northern State University. 12% of students receive Pell Grants.
Northern State University offers merit-based scholarships for academic achievement, in addition to need-based financial aid. Contact the financial aid office for specific scholarship opportunities.
The median debt for Northern graduates is $22,320, resulting in estimated monthly payments of $237 over 10 years.
Even families earning over $110,000 pay an average net price of $17,933 at Northern—still $4,144 less than the sticker price. Most families qualify for some form of aid.
