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Northern State University

1200 S Jay Street, Aberdeen, SD 57401, USA

Northern State University award
Northern State University award
US ranking
position: 296
Tuition & fees per year: $9,095
Acceptance rate: 93.00%
Median alumni salary: $42,847
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1105 SAT, 21 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Easy

What are the graduation rates for students at Northern State University?

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.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Northern State University?

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.

Northern State University Graduation Rate

Avg. graduation 52%
Graduation rate, total cohort
4-year Graduation 32%
Graduation rate - Bachelor degree within 4 years, total
6-year Graduation 55%
Graduation rate - Bachelor degree within 6 years, total

Northern State University Career Help & Outcomes

Career Centers:

Full time employees: 1

Part time employees: 1

Career Counselling:

Individual: All undergraduates

Group: All undergraduates

Career Center services:

  • Job Interviews
  • Career library
  • Resume preparation
  • Career/Interest testing
  • Interview workshop

Other information:

Job bank on campus

Yes

Job fairs on campus

Yes

Individual job placement

All undergraduates

On campus employer recruitment

All undergraduates

Northern State University Graduations Per Degree

BACHELOR’S Degree

Women Men Total

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

022

Education

472067

Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

404

English Language and Literature/Letters

14014

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

6814

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

13821

Mathematics and Statistics

022

Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology

111930

Physical Sciences

202

Psychology

7714

Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services

549

Social Sciences

12214

Visual and Performing Arts

13720

Health Professions and Related Programs

314

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

293059

History

369

MASTER’S Degree

Women Men Total

Education

612687

Mathematics and Statistics

606

Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology

358

Health Professions and Related Programs

426

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

516