Academic Comparison between USD and NSU

University of South Dakota and Northern State University 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 (22) 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.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of South Dakotavs.Northern State University
Vermillion, South DakotaLocationAberdeen, South Dakota
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (smaller programs)
In-State$9,432
Out-Of-State$12,942
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$8,845
Out-Of-State$11,947
57%% Receiving Financial Aid41%
$6,850Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,261
98.95 %Acceptance Rates92.79 %
25.68 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)31.77 %
1,195SAT Score-
22ACT Score21
57 %Graduation Rate50 %
25 %Transfer-out Rate25 %
82 %Retention Rate74 %
9,856Student Population3,344
433Number of Faculties89
14 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services