Northern State University
Aberdeen, South Dakota
Northern State University is a public institution in Aberdeen, South Dakota with 1,239 undergraduate students. For nursing students, the useful read is not just whether a program exists, but how its tuition, completion rates, debt, and earnings compare with nearby options.
In-state tuition is $8,845 compared with a South Dakota nursing-school average of $14,097. The school reports a graduation rate of 52.2%, median earnings of $47,618, and median federal debt of $22,320.
$8,845 is lower than the state average of $14,097.
52.2% is lower than the state average of 54.1%.
$47,618 is higher than the state average of $47,164.
About Northern State University
| Location | Aberdeen, South Dakota |
| Institution Type | Public |
| Highest Degree | graduate |
| Website | www.northern.edu |
| In-State Tuition | $8,845 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $11,947 |
| Total Enrollment | 1,239 |
| Acceptance Rate | 92.8% |
| Graduation Rate | 52.2% |
| Retention Rate | 75.1% |
| Median Earnings (10 yrs after) | $47,618 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,320 |
| Est. Monthly Loan Payment | $236 |
| Pell Grant Recipients | 12.0% |
| Students Receiving Loans | 23.3% |
| Loan Default Rate | 0.0% |
| Nursing Program | Available |
Cost and Return Snapshot
Based on published tuition, median debt, and earnings data
A typical graduate debt load would equal about 0.5 years of post-payment earnings capacity using the reported median earnings and 10-year monthly payment estimate.
Affordability Context
12.0% of students receive Pell Grants, a useful signal for how often the school serves lower-income students. 23.3% of students take federal loans, so borrowing is less common than at many institutions in the student body. The three-year loan default rate is 0.0%, which helps frame repayment risk alongside earnings and debt.
Cost and Outcomes Context
The value picture at Northern State University depends on the relationship between price, borrowing, and outcomes. A simple four-year tuition estimate is $35,380, while the reported median debt is $22,320 with an estimated monthly payment of $236. These figures should be compared with aid offers and program-specific requirements before making a final decision.
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Student Demographics
The student body is largest among White students (79.9%), followed by Hispanic students (5.2%) and Black students (4.1%).
Value Score
Median earnings ($47,618) divided by median debt ($22,320)