Northern State University

What is the cost of studying for a year at Northern State University?

Northern State's 2025-26 published undergraduate tuition and required fees totaled approximately $8,845 for an in-state full-time student and $12,287 for an out-of-state full-time student, using the reported tuition and fee components. These are sticker prices, not what every student ultimately pays.

• In-state undergraduate tuition: $7,616; required fees: $1,229.
• Out-of-state undergraduate tuition: $10,718; required fees: $1,229.
• Reported annual room and board: $10,922; books and supplies: $775.

Adding those 2024-25 components gives roughly $20,542 for an in-state student or $23,644 for an out-of-state student living on campus. Neither figure includes transportation, personal expenses, or every possible course-specific charge, so it is not a complete cost-of-attendance budget. Students living elsewhere will have different housing and food expenses.

Aid can substantially change the amount a student pays. In the reported aid data, 98% of students received some form of financial aid, while 22% had student loans; aid is not synonymous with free money. Average net price also varies by family income: the reported figure was $12,087 for students from families earning no more than $48,000 and $15,293 for the next reported income band, $48,001-$75,000. Those averages are historical group measures, not personalized offers.

Eligible students can pursue federal grants and loans, state assistance, and Northern State scholarships by following the university's financial aid and scholarship instructions. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is central to determining eligibility for many need-based programs. Veterans and eligible dependents should also have the university evaluate their specific education benefits. For an enrollment decision, compare the current, individualized aid offer with a current cost-of-attendance budget rather than combining figures from different academic years.

What are the work-study opportunities at Northern State University?

Northern State students can look for part-time campus employment, and eligible students may qualify for Federal Work-Study. Work-Study is a need-based financial aid program that provides access to qualifying paid jobs; it is not an automatic job assignment or an upfront reduction in a tuition bill.

Students should complete the FAFSA when seeking need-based employment eligibility and use the university's current student-job listings and hiring procedures to apply for openings. Ordinary student jobs can have different eligibility rules from Work-Study positions. Hours, pay, and availability depend on the particular job, so anticipated wages should not be treated as guaranteed funding for the term.

Northern State also reports career counseling for undergraduates, résumé and interview assistance, a job bank, career fairs, and employer recruitment. These services can support a search for internships or post-college work, but an internship, a campus job, and a verified employment outcome are three different things. An internship is not required of every student, although a particular major may require field experience.