Northern State University (NSU) is a public university located in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Founded in 1901, NSU offers a wide range of academic programs, including over 60 undergraduate and 15 graduate courses. Ranked #82 in U.S. News Regional Universities Midwest the university is highly known for its affordable tuition fees and the largest guaranteed scholarship in the Midwest. The tuition fees range for international students range from $10,717- $18,660 (₹9,21,451-₹16,26,032).
Additionally, with an acceptance rate of 93%, the University is quite flexible with the admission process. NSU provides a variety of resources, including modern campus facilities such as the Barnett Center, Dacotah Bank Stadium, and state-of-the-art academic buildings. With a student-faculty ratio of 21:1 and students from 30 different countries, the university is the right place for place for networking and building global connections, fostering a diverse and collaborative learning environment.
Also Check: Study in USA for International Students
- Northern State University Rankings, 2025
- Popular Courses at Northern State University
- Northern State University Admissions
3.1 Northern State University Undergraduate Admission
3.2 Northern State University Graduate Admission
- NSU Fall 2024 Student Ethnicity Demographic Profile
- Cost of Living at Northern State University
- Northern State University Scholarships
- FAQs
Northern State University Rankings, 2025
Here is the Ranking of the Northern State University by the US News & World Report for the year 2025:
- #82 in U.S. News Regional Universities Midwest (out of 165).
- #25 in U.S. News Top Public Schools (out of 57).
- #24 in U.S. News Best Value Schools (out of 67).
- #37 in U.S. News Best Colleges for Veterans (out of 46).
- #128 in U.S. News Top Performers on Social Mobility (out of 164).
Northern State University ranks #82 in U.S. News Regional Universities Midwest and #25 in Top Public Schools (out of 57), reflecting its strong academic standing and reputation among public universities. The university is also recognized as a Best Value School (#24), indicating affordability and a good return on investment. With rankings like #37 in Best Colleges for Veterans and #128 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, NSU provides solid support for students, including international students, looking for an inclusive and cost-effective education.
Popular Courses at Northern State University
The table below highlights some of the most popular courses at the Northern State University for international students:
| Course Name | Duration | Tuition Fees (USD) | Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science [B.S] Business Administration | 4 Years | $10,717 | ₹9,21,451 |
| Bachelor Biotechnology | 4 Years | $10,717 | ₹9,21,451 |
| Bachelor of Science in Biology | 4 Years | $10,717 | ₹9,21,451 |
| Bachelor of Science [B.S] in Management Information Systems – General MIS Emphasis | 4 Years | $10,717 | ₹9,21,451 |
| Bachelor of Science in Finance | 4 Years | $10,717 | ₹9,21,451 |
| Bachelor of Science [B.S] Mathematics | 4 Years | $10,717 | ₹9,21,451 |
| Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Communication Studies - Public Relations Emphasis | 4 Years | $10,717 | ₹9,21,451 |
| MEd Institutional Endorsement Elementary | 2 Years | $18,660 | ₹16,26,032 |
Northern State University Admissions
Northern State University offers admissions into Fall, Summer, and Spring intakes. Fall is the most popular intake among international students. With the acceptance rate of 93%, the university is quite flexible with its selection process. Admission decisions are typically announced within 2-4 weeks. Below are the key deadlines for international students to apply in advance:
| Intake | Deadlines |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester | June 15th, 2025 |
| Spring Semester | October 15th, 2025 |
Northern State University Undergraduate Admission
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Site | Apply Online |
| Application Fee | $20 (non-refundable) |
| Documents Required | Official high school transcripts with at least 2.6 on a 4.0 scale ACT (min 18) or SAT (min 960) optional English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT 61, IELTS 5.5 1-2 LOR Statement of Purpose |
| Contact | Email: admissions@northern.edu | Phone: 605-626-2544 |
Northern State University Graduate Admission
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Site | Apply Online |
| Application Fee | $35 (non-refundable) |
| Documents Required |
Official transcripts With the GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale |
| Contact | Email: gradstudies@northern.edu | Phone: 605-626-2558 |
NSU Fall 2024 Student Ethnicity Demographic Profile
The following table represents the ethnicity demographic profile of students at Northern State University for Fall 2024. It shows the distribution of students based on their ethnic backgrounds:
| Ethnicity | Total N | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 64 | 1.7% |
| Asian | 54 | 1.5% |
| Black or African American | 75 | 2.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 147 | 4.0% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | 5 | 0.1% |
| White | 3,066 | 82.7% |
| Two or More Races | 107 | 2.9% |
| U.S. Nonresident | 106 | 2.9% |
| Unknown | 84 | 2.3% |
| Total | 3,708 | 100% |
Cost of Living at Northern State University
The table below highlights the Cost of Living at Northern State University for international students to help them with budgeting and planning ahead of time:
| Expense Category | Cost Range (USD) | Cost Range (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $5,374 – $7,240 | ₹462,357 – ₹622,652 |
| Meal Plan | $4,600 | ₹395,646 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,200 | ₹103,212 |
| Transportation | $1,400 | ₹120,414 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,800 | ₹154,818 |
| Internet & Utilities | $500 | ₹43,005 |
| Total Estimated | $14,874 – $16,740 | ₹1,279,452 – ₹1,439,747 |
Northern State University Scholarships
Tabulated below are some of the popular scholarship opportunities for international students to help reduce their financial burden during their time in the Northern State University:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility & Focus | Estimated Funding / Benefits (for Indian/Asian Students) |
|---|---|---|
| Global Engineering Education Exchange | For international engineering undergrads or grads applying for study exchange in the U.S. | Tuition waiver (~$8,000–$12,000 per semester) |
| Guide to Online Schools Study Abroad Scholarship | Open to international students; rewards creativity over test scores | Scholarship amount varies, typically up to $2,000–$5,000 |
| Study Abroad Funding | Scholarship search tool with listings by country/subject for international students | Awards typically range from $500 – $10,000 depending on program |
| IIE Internship Programs (Budapest & Mexico City) | Cultural and professional internships for college students (international) | Internship placement + living support ($1,000 – $4,000 estimated) |
Also Check: Popular Scholarships to Study in USA
In a nutshell, Northern State University is a student-centered institution offering affordable, high-quality education with a 93% acceptance rate and a 21:1 student-faculty ratio. With a diverse student body and a range of academic, extracurricular, and support services, NSU provides a well-rounded experience that prepares international students for success in both their studies and future careers.
FAQs
Ques: What are the benefits of joining Northern State University?
Ans: Northern State University combines quality education with affordability, offering undergraduate tuition starting at just $10,717 per year. With over 50 student clubs, modern facilities like Dacotah Bank Stadium, and a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, students enjoy strong academic and campus life support. Ranked #24 in Best Value Schools and #25 in Top Public Schools (U.S. News 2024), NSU stands out for its return on investment.
This makes it an excellent and welcoming option for international students looking for a supportive and career-focused U.S. education.
Ques: How is freshman housing at Northern State University and what is the cost range of the housing facility?
Ans: Northern State University offers freshman housing options like Great Plains East and Kramer Hall. These are fully furnished, on-campus residences with internet and basic amenities. They provide a comfortable and student-friendly environment for international students. Annual housing costs range from $5,374 to $7,240 (approx. ₹4.6 to ₹6.2 lakh).
Ques: What athletic and extracurricular activities are available for international students at Northern State University?
Ans: NSU offers top athletic facilities like the Barnett Center and Dacotah Bank Stadium, plus intramural sports, fitness programs, and over 50 student clubs for cultural, academic, and recreational activities. International students can easily join events, clubs, and sports to stay active and make friends.
Northern State University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD 12,057 /Yr | 20 | GPA: 2.6, IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL iBT: 61, Duolingo-100 | |||
B.S Business Administration 4 years | USD 10,710 /Yr | - | - | - | |
| USD 10,710 /Yr | - | - | - | ||
B.S Finance 4 years | USD 10,710 /Yr | - | - | - | |
| USD 10,710 /Yr | - | - | - | ||
B.A Fine Arts 4 years | USD 10,710 /Yr | - | - | - | |
B.S Chemistry 4 years | USD 10,710 /Yr | - | - | - | |
| USD 10,710 /Yr | - | - | - | ||
B.A English 4 years | USD 10,710 /Yr | - | - | - | |
B.A German 4 years | USD 10,710 /Yr | - | - | - |
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Northern State University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BrokerFish International Student Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| WU Foundation Global 52 Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Hani Zeini Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| The University of Chicago scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Colby College Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyN/A | TypeMerit-Based |
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Northern State University Admissions
Application Portal: https://apply.sdbor.edu/login.cfm?inst=nsu
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Northern State University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1508 | 1444 | 64 | 34 |
Northern State University Campus Location
Nearby This Campus
- Book Store
- Pharmacy
- Shopping Mall
- Hospital
- Airport
- Bus Station
Book Store
Shopping Mall
Airport
Pharmacy
Hospital
Bus Station
● All distance are measured radially. Actual distance may vary
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Comments
Found 4 Comments
When am I getting a reply?
Each program has its own application deadline and processing timeframe. However, you can explore the NSU courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.
When will I receive my Admission letter?
The admissions office generally takes 4-6 weeks to process complete applications. However, this is just an estimate, and the actual time can be shorter or longer.
When is the next intake available? Available full scholarship?
The following Semester Begins in August and then begins in January. NSU offers various scholarships, but a complete "full scholarship" covering all expenses might not be guaranteed for everyone. However, you can explore the NSU scholarships to know more about the benefits and other details.