Head-to-head · 2026
Dakota State University vs Northern State University
Compare average net price ($21,057 at Dakota State University; $15,812 at Northern State University), ROI score (6.05 vs 7.53), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($50,970 vs $47,618), and admissions selectivity (88.1% acceptance at Dakota State University; 93% at Northern State University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Dakota State University | Northern State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 6.05 | 7.53 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $21,057 | $15,812 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $84,228 | $63,248 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $9,654 | $8,845 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $12,756 | $11,947 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $50,970 ✓ | $47,618 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.1% | 93% |
| Graduation rate | 51.3% ✓ | 48.9% |
| Retention rate | 75.5% | 77% ✓ |
| Median debt | $23,500 | $22,320 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,071 | 1,273 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1215 | 1089 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Dakota State University | Northern State University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $17,317 | $10,762 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $18,792 | $12,087 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $19,165 | $15,293 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $22,601 | $18,372 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $23,269 | $17,933 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Dakota State University | Northern State University |
|---|---|---|
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | 30.4% | 1.5% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 6.1% | 6.2% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 1.7% | 10.1% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 3.2% | 8.4% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 4.1% | 7.1% |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 0.5% | 8.1% |
| Special Education and Teaching | 3.8% | 4.7% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 3.2% | 4.9% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Northern State University reports the lower average net price by $5,245 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $20,980 difference over four years ($63,248 vs $84,228).
Dakota State University reports $3,352 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($50,970 vs $47,618). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 75.5% at Dakota State University and 77% at Northern State University. Median federal debt among completers is $23,500 vs $22,320, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Dakota State University vs Northern State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Northern State University is cheaper — average net price $15,812 per year vs $21,057 at Dakota State University. The annual difference of $5,245 adds up to about $20,980 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Dakota State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $50,970 vs $47,618 at Northern State University. The gap in the federal data is $3,352. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Dakota State University is more selective at 88.1% acceptance vs 93% at Northern State University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.