Academic Comparison between NSU and Dakota State

Northern State University and Dakota State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in South Dakota

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • Dakota State has more expensive tuition & fees ($12,756) than NSU ($11,947).
  • It is harder to admit to Dakota State than NSU.
  • Dakota State has a higher submitted SAT score (1,060) than NSU (1,060).
  • Dakota State has higher submitted ACT score (21) than NSU (21).
  • Dakota State has more students with 3,774 students while NSU has 3,708 students.
  • Dakota State has a lower number of students per faculty with 18 to 1 while NSU's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • Dakota State has more full-time faculties with 100 faculties while NSU has 87 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northern State Universityvs.Dakota State University
Aberdeen, South DakotaLocationMadison, South Dakota
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (smaller programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
In-State$8,845
Out-Of-State$11,947
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$9,654
Out-Of-State$12,756
35%% Receiving Financial Aid44%
$7,194Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,250
93.00 %Acceptance Rates88.05 %
35.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.99 %
1,060SAT Score1,320
21ACT Score24
49 %Graduation Rate51 %
8 %Transfer-out Rate-
77 %Retention Rate75 %
3,708Student Population3,774
87Number of Faculties100
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services