by our College Data Analytics TeamIs NSU worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
NSU is ranked #1,567 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of A (top 10% for value). Within South Dakota, it ranks #8 of 18 for value.
Among the majors NSU offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Accounting / Finance | #13 of 22 |
| Business Information Systems | #24 of 243 |
| History Education | #51 of 106 |
| Teacher Education | #51 of 106 |
| Biology Education | #69 of 160 |
| Art Education | #107 of 196 |
| Physical Education | #112 of 264 |
| English & Language Arts Education | #114 of 243 |
| Mathematics Education | #121 of 249 |
| Music Education | #133 of 286 |
Below is the detailed NSU value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
Northern State University is ranked #12 out of #19 in South Dakota for quality and #8 out of #18 for South Dakota value.
Live in-state? You may qualify for a reduced price. Check the NSU financial aid page to be sure.
Northern State University is ranked #1,567 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Compared to its peers, Northern State University is underpriced for the quality of education it provides, earning it a great value recognition.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at NSU costs about $16,949. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $67,794 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $22,126 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $15,812 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $16,949 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $67,794 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
Your price depends heavily on your family income and the aid you qualify for. See the NSU net price page for a fuller breakdown of what you might actually pay.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a NSU degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $88,504 | — | — |
| All Students | $67,794 | #1,567 | A |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $63,248 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $88,504 | — | — |
| All Students | $67,794 | #8 | A- |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $63,248 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at NSU shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $13,560 |
| $30K–$48K | $14,226 |
| $48K–$75K | $16,444 |
| $75K–$110K | $19,236 |
| Over $110K | $18,673 |
About 82% of NSU undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $7,194 per year. Get more details on the NSU financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average NSU cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.