
1200 S Jay Street, Aberdeen, SD 57401, USA


Northern State University exhibits graduation rates that fall below the national average, with an overall graduation rate standing at 52%. This places the university in the lower 40th percentile compared to peer institutions. Male students graduate at a rate of 46%, while female students achieve a somewhat higher rate of 58%, indicating a moderate gender gap favoring female graduates.
The four-year graduation rate at Northern State University is notably low at 32%, ranking in the bottom 30% among similar schools. In contrast, the six-year graduation rate rises to 55%, which is average and sits near the median mark in its percentile distribution. Retention rates mirror this trend, with 75% of freshmen returning for their sophomore year, also an average figure ranking just below the median.
These statistics suggest that while a significant portion of students require more than four years to complete their degrees, over half ultimately earn their undergraduate diplomas within six years. The available data does not break down graduation rates by major or degree type, but the general figures indicate room for improvement in student completion and persistence.
Northern State University offers a range of degree programs that carry varying earning potentials for graduates. Among the fields with available data, students who complete degrees in Accounting and Related Services tend to earn the highest average income, reaching approximately $45,902. This suggests that graduates pursuing accounting may find strong financial rewards after completing their studies.
Other business-related degrees also show promising earnings. For instance, Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates have an average earning of about $38,996, while those in Finance and Financial Management Services report earnings around $33,892. These figures indicate that students interested in business disciplines have solid economic prospects.
Education-related degrees at Northern State University also present competitive income outcomes. Graduates specialized in Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas, earn on average $39,862, slightly more than those focused on Specific Levels and Methods, whose earnings average $39,033. These numbers reflect steady opportunities for individuals pursuing careers in educational professions.
Additionally, the degree in Health and Physical Education/Fitness commands an average earning near $32,526, which may appeal to students passionate about health and wellness-related careers.
Overall, earnings for graduates vary considerably depending on the area of study, with accounting and certain education programs showing relatively stronger financial potential based on the available data.
Career Centers:
Full time employees: 1
Part time employees: 1
Career Counselling:
Individual: All undergraduates
Group: All undergraduates
Career Center services:
Other information:
Job bank on campus
YesJob fairs on campus
YesIndividual job placement
All undergraduatesOn campus employer recruitment
All undergraduatesBACHELOR’S Degree
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Education
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
English Language and Literature/Letters
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Mathematics and Statistics
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology
Physical Sciences
Psychology
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Health Professions and Related Programs
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
History
MASTER’S Degree
Education
Mathematics and Statistics
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology
Health Professions and Related Programs
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services