About Northern State University
Northern State University, a four-year public institution, traces its beginnings to the Northern Normal and Industrial Teacher’s Institution, founded in 1901. Throughout the following century the college continued to grow, transitioning into a multifaceted academic facility, and in 1987, the school adopted its current Northern State University title. Today, the value of education at Northern State University is stated through its mission to provide “outstanding instruction, extraordinary community relations, and unparalleled co-curricular opportunities.”
Northern State University offers bachelor’s degrees, and associate’s degrees, in addition to certificate programs and master’s degrees. Fields of study are housed in the following schools:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- School of Business
- School of Education
- School of Fine Arts
Northern State University offers courses and degrees that can be completed through the distance learning program. Online programs include master’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees, and certificates. Enjoy flexibility and convenience as you design a schedule that fits your personal educational needs with NWU online degrees. Plus, all online students pay the same tuition, regardless of where they reside.
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Accreditation & Licensing
Northern State University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Master's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
1,115Fully Online Graduate Students:
40%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$22,320Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
35%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$7,194Credit for Military Training:
YesNorthern State University gives students a clear path to finish their degree. Class sizes stay fairly small, and even larger general courses are about 60 students. That makes it easier to reach instructors and get help quickly when classes get tough.
The school also puts real support in place when students fall behind. Tutoring is coordinated with harder courses, so help is tied to what students are learning right then.
Cost is another strong point. In-state tuition is listed below $15,000 per year. The four-year Wolf-Pact scholarship can lower costs even more. Award amounts depend on ACT or SAT scores and GPA, giving many students a clear way to cut total cost and stay on a four-year plan.
At Northern State University, support feels personal and hands-on. Professors are friendly, helpful, and flexible. They reply quickly and keep classes on track. Students are often known by name within the first month, which helps classes feel welcoming and connected.
When a class gets tough, staff and faculty step in with real help. Advisors and professors work together to set up tutoring, including one-on-one support when needed. Guidance is strongest when it is clear and proactive, especially for course planning and building on each student’s strengths.
Northern State University gives online classes a clear, easy setup. The school site points students to Desire2Learn (D2L). Many courses come in both online and in-person formats. That gives students more ways to build a schedule that works.
Online students can expect steady contact with instructors. Professors are known for being flexible and quick to reply. The class pace can work well for adults balancing work and family life.
Students can complete a full program online and still take part in key graduation events. Overall, Northern State offers a practical online path with strong support.
Classes at Northern State University feel more personal than at many public schools. Even larger intro classes are about 60 students. That size makes it easier to know your instructors and get real attention in class.
Professors are often described as friendly, helpful, and supportive. Students also praise teaching in specific courses, including history and online classes. Academic help is practical and timely. Advisors and professors work together to set up tutoring when a class gets tough, so students can stay on track.
Northern State is a mostly favorable school overall. Professors are approachable and personally involved. Classes feel smaller than many public universities. Even larger general classes are around 60.
Students are often known by name quickly. Academic help is practical and direct. Advisors and professors coordinate support when classes get hard. Tutoring access is part of that follow-through.
Cost is another clear strength. In-state tuition is cited under $15,000 per year. That pairs well with the school’s personal learning environment. Online and blended learners can expect flexible instructors and prompt communication.
The pace can fit work and family life. The best fit is students who want close faculty contact and affordable public pricing.
Northern State is a mostly favorable school overall. Professors are approachable and personally involved. Classes feel smaller than many public universities. Even larger general classes are around 60.
Students are often known by name quickly. Academic help is practical and direct. Advisors and professors coordinate support when classes get hard. Tutoring access is part of that follow-through.
Cost is another clear strength. In-state tuition is cited under $15,000 per year. That pairs well with the school’s personal learning environment. Online and blended learners can expect flexible instructors and prompt communication.
The pace can fit work and family life. The best fit is students who want close faculty contact and affordable public pricing.
Online Programs offered by Northern State University
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Frequently Asked Questions About Northern State University
Is Northern State University accredited?
Yes. Northern State University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does Northern State University offer?
Northern State University offers 15 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Northern State University offer?
Northern State University offers programs from associate and bachelor's through master's levels.
How should students contact admissions at Northern State University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Northern State University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Northern State University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Northern State University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Northern State University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Northern State University programs require?
Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 2.8.
Is Northern State University military friendly?
Northern State University does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.
How can students request information from Northern State University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Northern State University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official High School Transcript/GED Score, Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Occupational License. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Northern State University accept life experience credit?
Northern State University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Northern State University programs fully online or mixed?
Northern State University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Northern State University offer?
Northern State University has online program options in areas such as Business, Art & Liberal Arts, Education, and Criminal Justice, Safety & Law; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Northern State University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP); Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Northern State University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Northern State University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Northern State University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Northern State University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Northern State University programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Northern State University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Northern State University is featured in 13 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Northern State University is located in South Dakota
South Dakota at a Glance:
Top Majors in South Dakota:
Top Incentives in South Dakota:
- South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship: Up to $6,500 total
Top Career Pathways in South Dakota:
- Entry Level: Farm Manager ($45,000)
- Mid Level: Agricultural Director ($75,000)
- Senior Level: Operations Executive ($120,000+)
- Required Education: BS Agricultural Business
- Certifications: CCA, CPAg