Northern State University (NSU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Northern State University
Set on the prairie, Northern State University blends a close-knit feel with a get-things-done mindset. It's known for strong teaching across the arts, business, sciences, and education, with small classes and professors who actually know your name. Modern labs, bright studios, a lively athletics complex, and a student success hub support the work. Tutoring, advising, counseling, and career services are easy to find and even easier to use.
Campus life leans welcoming and active. You'll see packed performances, intramurals that run late, and plenty of outdoor time on nearby trails and lakes. The culture values collaboration and practical experience, with internships and school partnerships that connect students to regional employers. Aberdeen adds a friendly downtown, local arts, and hands-on service opportunities. And the Wolves spirit shows up everywhere, especially during homecoming traditions that pull the whole community in.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Northern State University (NSU) offers 44 degree programs across 14 major academic fields, graduating approximately 387 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Education (15 programs, 116 graduates), Business (6 programs, 71 graduates), Biological Sciences (4 programs, 57 graduates), Kinesiology (2 programs, 27 graduates) and Security & Safety (1 programs, 20 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Education (15 programs, 116 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education | 33 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1202 |
| Music Teacher Education | 21 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
13.1312 |
| Curriculum and Instruction | 17 |
|
Master's
|
13.0301 |
| Special Education Teaching | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
13.1001 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision | 10 |
|
Master's
|
13.0499 |
| Social Studies Teacher Education | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1318 |
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1314 |
| Instructional Technology | 3 |
|
Master's
|
13.0501 |
| Educational Leadership and Administration | 2 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
13.0401 |
| School Counseling and Guidance | 2 |
|
Master's
|
13.1101 |
| Early Childhood Education | 2 |
|
Associate's
|
13.1210 |
| English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching | 2 |
|
Other Award
|
13.1401 |
| English Language Arts Teacher Education | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1305 |
| Biology Teacher Education | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1322 |
| History Teacher Education | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1328 |
Business (6 programs, 71 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 31 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
52.0201 |
| Banking and Financial Services | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0803 |
| Accounting | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0301 |
| Finance, General | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0801 |
| Marketing Management | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1401 |
| International Business and Trade | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1101 |
Biological Sciences (4 programs, 57 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 33 |
|
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
26.0101 |
| Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0908 |
| Ecology | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.1301 |
| Biotechnology | 2 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
26.1201 |
Kinesiology (2 programs, 27 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education | 15 |
|
Master's
|
31.0501 |
| Sport and Fitness Management | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0504 |
Security & Safety (1 programs, 20 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Safety Studies | 20 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
43.0104 |
Psychology (1 programs, 19 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 19 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 18 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies | 18 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
24.0102 |
English (2 programs, 11 graduates)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
23.0101 |
| Rhetoric and Composition | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
23.1304 |
Social Sciences (2 programs, 11 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
| Political Science and Government | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
Arts (5 programs, 11 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design | 6 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
50.0409 |
| Fine and Studio Arts Management | 2 |
|
Other Award
|
50.1002 |
| Art Studies | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0701 |
| Studio Arts, General | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0702 |
| Music | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Northern State University (NSU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Northern State University (NSU)
How much does it cost to attend Northern State University (NSU)?
The annual tuition at Northern State University (NSU) is $8,845 for in-state students and $11,947 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $23,345 for in-state students and $26,447 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $10,300 and books and supplies $1,200.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Northern State University offer?
Northern State University (NSU) offers 44 academic programs across 14 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (15 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (6 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (4 programs)
- Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation (2 programs)
- Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Northern State University?
Northern State University (NSU) has an 92.8% acceptance rate and a 31.8% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 1,082
- Students admitted: 1,004
- Students enrolled: 319
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Northern State University?
Northern State University (NSU) provides financial aid to 10% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $5,565 and average loans of $6,320.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,159
- State/Local grants: $1,283
- Institutional grants: $3,889
- Federal loans: $4,761
The university supports 260 students with grants and 172 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Northern State University graduates?
Northern State University (NSU) graduates earn a median salary of $41,536 after 6 years and $47,618 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $32,556 (25th percentile) to $63,985 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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