Head-to-head · 2026
Northern State University vs University of South Dakota
Compare average net price ($15,812 at Northern State University; $19,858 at University of South Dakota), ROI score (7.53 vs 6.54), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($47,618 vs $51,926), and admissions selectivity (93% acceptance at Northern State University; 98.8% at University of South Dakota) 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 South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 7.53 ✓ | 6.54 |
| Avg net price | $15,812 ✓ | $19,858 |
| 4-year avg net price | $63,248 ✓ | $79,432 |
| In-state tuition | $8,845 | $9,432 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $11,947 | $12,942 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $47,618 | $51,926 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 93% | 98.8% |
| Graduation rate | 48.9% | 59.9% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 77% | 79.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $22,320 ✓ | $23,592 |
| Enrollment | 1,273 | 5,439 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1089 | 1125 |
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 South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $10,762 ✓ | $14,921 |
| Family income $30–48k | $12,087 ✓ | $15,942 |
| Family income $48–75k | $15,293 ✓ | $18,540 |
| Family income $75–110k | $18,372 ✓ | $21,202 |
| Family income $110k+ | $17,933 ✓ | $22,193 |
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 South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 7.1% | 7.4% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 8.4% | 5.2% |
| Biology, General | 9.1% | 4.2% |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 8.1% | 3.8% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 10.1% | 0.7% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 6.2% | 3.4% |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | 1.5% | 7.7% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 4.9% | 3.8% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Northern State University reports the lower average net price by $4,046 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $16,184 difference over four years ($63,248 vs $79,432).
University of South Dakota reports $4,308 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($51,926 vs $47,618). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 77% at Northern State University and 79.3% at University of South Dakota. Median federal debt among completers is $22,320 vs $23,592, 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 South Dakota, 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 $19,858 at University of South Dakota. The annual difference of $4,046 adds up to about $16,184 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of South Dakota reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $51,926 vs $47,618 at Northern State University. The gap in the federal data is $4,308. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Northern State University is more selective at 93% acceptance vs 98.8% at University of South Dakota.
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.