Head-to-head · 2026
Northern State University vs University of Sioux Falls
Compare average net price ($15,812 at Northern State University; $21,383 at University of Sioux Falls), ROI score (7.53 vs 6.37), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($47,618 vs $54,521), and admissions selectivity (93% acceptance at Northern State University; 82.9% at University of Sioux Falls) 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 | Northern State University | University of Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 7.53 ✓ | 6.37 |
| Avg net price | $15,812 ✓ | $21,383 |
| 4-year avg net price | $63,248 ✓ | $85,532 |
| In-state tuition | $8,845 | $21,750 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $11,947 | $21,750 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $47,618 | $54,521 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 93% | 82.9% |
| Graduation rate | 48.9% | 62.9% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 77% ✓ | 74.5% |
| Median debt | $22,320 ✓ | $23,249 |
| Enrollment | 1,273 | 1,218 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 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 | Northern State University | University of Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $10,762 ✓ | $18,145 |
| Family income $30–48k | $12,087 ✓ | $17,804 |
| Family income $48–75k | $15,293 ✓ | $17,992 |
| Family income $75–110k | $18,372 ✓ | $21,375 |
| Family income $110k+ | $17,933 ✓ | $24,038 |
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 | Northern State University | University of Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 7.1% | 20.9% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 8.4% | 8.8% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 10.1% | 3.7% |
| Psychology, General | 4.2% | 8.1% |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 8.1% | 4.1% |
| Biology, General | 9.1% | 2.5% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 4.9% | 4.2% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision | 2.7% | 6.1% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Northern State University reports the lower average net price by $5,571 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $22,284 difference over four years ($63,248 vs $85,532).
University of Sioux Falls reports $6,903 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($54,521 vs $47,618). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 77% at Northern State University and 74.5% at University of Sioux Falls. Median federal debt among completers is $22,320 vs $23,249, 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
Northern State University vs University of Sioux Falls, 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 $21,383 at University of Sioux Falls. The annual difference of $5,571 adds up to about $22,284 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Sioux Falls reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $54,521 vs $47,618 at Northern State University. The gap in the federal data is $6,903. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Sioux Falls is more selective at 82.9% 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.