Academic Comparison between South Dakota State and NSU

South Dakota State University and Northern 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.
  • South Dakota State has more expensive tuition & fees ($12,809) than NSU ($11,947).
  • It is harder to admit to NSU than South Dakota State.
  • South Dakota State has a higher submitted SAT score (1,130) than NSU (1,060).
  • South Dakota State has higher submitted ACT score (22) than NSU (21).
  • South Dakota State has more students with 12,056 students while NSU has 3,708 students.
  • South Dakota State has a lower number of students per faculty with 17 to 1 while NSU's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • South Dakota State has more full-time faculties with 508 faculties while NSU has 87 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

South Dakota State Universityvs.Northern State University
Brookings, South DakotaLocationAberdeen, South Dakota
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (smaller programs)
In-State$9,299
Out-Of-State$12,809
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$8,845
Out-Of-State$11,947
66%% Receiving Financial Aid35%
$6,191Average Amount of Financial Aid$7,194
98.34 %Acceptance Rates93.00 %
34.06 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)35.25 %
1,130SAT Score1,060
22ACT Score21
62 %Graduation Rate49 %
-Transfer-out Rate8 %
84 %Retention Rate77 %
12,056Student Population3,708
508Number of Faculties87
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services