Aberdeen, SD · Private University
Is Northern State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$47,618
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$8,845
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$11,947
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$47,788
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
3.99x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
3.8 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
52.2%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$22,320
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$17,094
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Northern State University graduates earn $2,618 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Northern State University ranked by graduate earnings
21 graduates
58 graduates
20 graduates
19 graduates
39 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Northern State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management ServicesBest ROI | $70,144 | 5.9x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $49,063 | 4.1x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $48,645 | 4.1x |
| Marketing | $47,201 | 4.0x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $44,102 | 3.7x |
| Health and Physical Education/FitnessLowest | $42,292 | 3.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Northern State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $47,618 10 years after starting, $2,618 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 3.8 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.