Northern State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Northern State is test-optional, but ACT scores still play a practical role here: 74% of students submit them, and a 24 ACT reaches the SDOS scholarship threshold. With admission within reach for many applicants, your target should be using scores to improve affordability, including awards from $1,500 to $7,500.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Northern State University facts and stats
Northern State University enrolls 3,169 undergraduates in a small-town campus setting. Northern State has a 77% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 49%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1.
Aberdeen, SD
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Key Northern State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
September 1
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
August 22
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Northern State, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year for retakes. Because the Regular Decision deadline is September 1, fall retakes are unlikely to arrive in time for admission, though they may still help if you are aiming for SDOS awards that require a 1090+ SAT or 24+ ACT.
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What you'll actually pay
Northern State lists in-state tuition at $7,616 and out-of-state tuition at $10,718. About 61% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $3,094. The FAFSA priority deadline is March 1.
At Northern State University, out-of-state tuition is $10,718, while in-state tuition is $7,616, with room and board adding $10,600. About 61% of students receive financial aid, and the average aid package is $12,560. Merit awards average $3,094, which can help reduce the billed cost for qualifying students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $26,642.
Student life at Northern State University
40% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Augustana University
Sioux Falls, SDAcceptance rate: 67.8%
SAT: 1190–1348
ACT: 21–27
Black Hills State University
Spearfish, SDAcceptance rate: 96.3%
SAT: 980–1180
ACT: 18–24
Dakota State University
Madison, SDAcceptance rate: 88.1%
SAT: 1180–1410
ACT: 20–27
Dakota Wesleyan University
Mitchell, SDAcceptance rate: 73.4%
SAT: 950–1420
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