Northern State University vs University of South Dakota

Q: How do graduation rates compare between Northern State University and University of South Dakota?

Northern State University has a graduation rate of 52% compared to 59% at University of South Dakota.

Q: Which school has higher earnings, Northern State University or University of South Dakota?

University of South Dakota graduates earn more, with median 5-year earnings of $46,290 compared to $41,536 at Northern State University.

Northern State University

University of South Dakota

Key Metrics Compared

Official Data

Metric	Northern State University	University of South Dakota	Winner
Acceptance Rate	93%	99%	Northern State University
Graduation Rate	52%	59%	University of South Dakota
Avg Earnings (5yr)	$41,536	$46,290	University of South Dakota
Median Debt	$22,320	$23,592	Northern State University
Tuition (In-State)	$8,845	$9,432	Northern State University
Retention Rate	75%	80%	University of South Dakota
Financial Aid	23%	42%	University of South Dakota

Comparison Analysis

Northern State University graduates earn $41,536, while University of South Dakota graduates earn $46,290. Northern State's tuition is $8,845, and the University of South Dakota's tuition is $9,432. The University of South Dakota has a higher graduation rate at 59.4% compared to Northern State's 51.5%. Northern State has a 92.8% acceptance rate, and the University of South Dakota has a 99% acceptance rate.

The University of South Dakota has a higher graduate earnings and graduation rate, while Northern State has lower tuition. The University of South Dakota has a higher acceptance rate.

When deciding between these schools, students should consider their priorities. If higher earnings and graduation rates are most important, the University of South Dakota may be a better choice. If lower tuition is the priority, Northern State University may be a better option.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Shared Programs

Shared Major	Northern State University Earnings	University of South Dakota Earnings	Difference
Health and Physical Education/Fitness	$40,123	$0	—
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$43,667	$47,107	8% favor University of South Dakota
Health and Physical Education/Fitness	$40,724	$0	—
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$43,667	$76,293	75% favor University of South Dakota
Educational Administration and Supervision	$0	$64,308	—
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods	$46,042	$43,790	5% favor Northern State University
Biology, General	$0	$30,167	—
Biology, General	$0	$30,167	—
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods	$0	$43,790	—
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$0	$47,107	—

Quick Facts

Northern State University

Type Public

Location Aberdeen, SD

Setting Town

Students 1,239

University of South Dakota

Type Public

Location Vermillion, SD

Setting Town

Students 5,239

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Northern State University or University of South Dakota?

Northern State University has median earnings of $41,536 and tuition of $8,845. University of South Dakota has median earnings of $46,290 and tuition of $9,432. The best choice depends on your priorities, field of study, and financial situation.

How do graduation rates compare between Northern State University and University of South Dakota?

Which school has higher earnings, Northern State University or University of South Dakota?

Explore Further

Northern State University ROI Analysis

University of South Dakota ROI Analysis