Academic Comparison between NSU and USD

Northern State University and University of South Dakota 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.
  • USD has more expensive tuition & fees ($12,942) than NSU ($11,947).
  • It is harder to admit to NSU than USD.
  • USD has higher submitted ACT score (21) than NSU (21).
  • USD has more students with 9,856 students while NSU has 3,344 students.
  • USD has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 to 1 while NSU's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • USD has more full-time faculties with 433 faculties while NSU has 89 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
NSU USD
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northern State Universityvs.University of South Dakota
Aberdeen, South DakotaLocationVermillion, South Dakota
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (smaller programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$8,845
Out-Of-State$11,947
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$9,432
Out-Of-State$12,942
41%% Receiving Financial Aid57%
$6,261Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,850
92.98 %Acceptance Rates99.01 %
32.01 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)26.00 %
-SAT Score1,195
21ACT Score22
50 %Graduation Rate57 %
25 %Transfer-out Rate25 %
74 %Retention Rate82 %
3,344Student Population9,856
89Number of Faculties433
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare