Academic Comparison between NSU and USD

Northern State University and University of South Dakota 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.
  • USD has more expensive tuition & fees ($12,942) than NSU ($11,947).
  • It is harder to admit to NSU than USD.
  • USD has a higher submitted SAT score (1,060) than NSU (1,060).
  • USD has higher submitted ACT score (21) than NSU (21).
  • USD has more students with 10,619 students while NSU has 3,708 students.
  • USD has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while NSU's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • USD has more full-time faculties with 414 faculties while NSU has 87 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northern State Universityvs.University of South Dakota
Aberdeen, South DakotaLocationVermillion, South Dakota
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (smaller programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$8,845
Out-Of-State$11,947
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$9,432
Out-Of-State$12,942
35%% Receiving Financial Aid55%
$7,194Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,716
93.00 %Acceptance Rates98.78 %
35.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)24.07 %
1,060SAT Score1,205
21ACT Score22
49 %Graduation Rate60 %
8 %Transfer-out Rate-
77 %Retention Rate79 %
3,708Student Population10,619
87Number of Faculties414
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare