Northern State University (NSU)
Get more information on Northern State University:
- Requirements & Admissions
- Tuition & Costs
- Programs Available
- Financial Aid Eligibility
- Student Services Offered

Northern State University can be found in Aberdeen, SD, a public college which focuses on only a select few programs offered. There are around three thousand students enrolled per year at Northern State University.
An ACT or SAT exam may be required before applying to this institution. Scores within the range of 790 (25th percentile) to 1120 (75th percentile) on the SAT and in the range of 19 (25th percentile) to 25 (75th percentile) for the ACT exam is common among applicants that get into NSU. We were able to estimate the Northern State University (NSU) average GPA (2.98 - 3.33) of admitted students by applying sampled GPA data on over 150 schools. Northern State University accepts approximately 90% of those that apply. Of those that are admitted, about 38% enrolled. You can get more information from the admissions office website at northern.edu.
Overall Northern State University (NSU) Acceptance Rate - Fall 2013

The overall acceptance rate for Northern State University was reported as 93.3% in Fall 2013 with over 1,160 applications submitted to Northern State University. Both in state and out of state applicants are included in these figures. We do not have data on transfer acceptance rates currently.
Accepted Applicants Profile
- NSU ACT Scores: 19 - 25
- NSU Average GPA: 2.98 - 3.33
How Hard Is It to Get into Northern State University?
Applicant Selectivity: Medium
The applicant selectivity of Northern State University is about average, as determined by collecting standardized test scores e.g. ACT/SAT and high school average GPA ranges of students who were granted admissions from previous years.
Historical Trend and Acceptance Rate 2019 Projection
The historical trend chart shows acceptance rates from the previous years, from which we have projected the acceptance rate for the 2019-2020 school year. The overall acceptance rate trend for Northern State University has been staying about the same from year to year.
Acceptance Rate By Year
- 2009-2010: 93.5%
- 2010-2011: 92.9%
- 2011-2012: 93.7%
- 2012-2013: 89.8%
- 2013-2014: 93.3%
- Projected NSU Acceptance Rate 2019-2020: 92.4%
How Does Northern State University (NSU) Compare?
The acceptance rate for Northern State University is sixty-eight percent higher than the national average of all colleges which is around 55.5%.
Nearby Similar College Acceptance Rates
School | Acceptance Rate |
---|---|
Presentation College | 66.1% |
Jamestown College | 56.9% |
Valley City State University | 82.9% |
Dakota State University | 83.0% |
Dakota Wesleyan University | 70.2% |
Admissions Rates & Enrollment Rates - Details
General Recommendations & Requirements for Admissions
- High School GPA Scores are Required
- High School Class Rankings are Required
- School Records are Required
- College Prep Classes are Required
- Standardized Test Scores (SAT,ACT,...) are Required
- TOEFL Exam (Foreign Language Students) are Required
Number of Applicants, Percent Accepted, and Enrolled Students (Fall 2013)
Total | Male | Female | |
---|---|---|---|
Applicants | 1,157 | 49.9% | 50.1% |
Admitted | 1,080 | 49.3% | 50.7% |
Enrolled | 410 | 46.8% | 53.2% |
Average ACT/SAT Scores of Applicants to Northern State University (NSU) (Fall 2013)
ACT® | Score Range |
---|---|
English | 18 - 24 |
Math | 18 - 25 |
Composite Score | 19 - 25 |