NSU vs. Augusta University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD with Augusta University in Augusta, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Augusta University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (10,900 students vs. 3,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern State University is located in Aberdeen, SD (Remote Town setting); Augusta University is in Augusta, GA (Midsize City setting).
• Northern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Augusta University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern State University 19:1; Augusta University 16:1.

NSU vs. Augusta University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or Augusta University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Augusta University than NSU ($13,976 vs. $15,990).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern State University are 14.5% lower than at Augusta University ($10,600 vs. $12,404).
• Northern State University is 5.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Augusta University (about $431 more per year; $8,845.00 vs. $8,414.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 107% higher at Augusta University than at Northern State University (about $12,787 more per year; $24,734.00 vs. $11,947.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern State University than at Augusta University (97% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Augusta University students is 48.1% larger than aid received by Northern State University students ($9,536 vs. $6,441).

NSU vs. Augusta University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU or Augusta University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Augusta University and NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern State University (1070) is 10 points higher than at Augusta University (1060).
• Incoming NSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Augusta University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern State University 980/1160; Augusta University 970/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern State University 18/24; Augusta University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; Augusta University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Augusta University Jul 1, 2027.
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Augusta University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.2% at NSU vs. 25.1% at Augusta University.

NSU vs. Augusta University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and Augusta University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Augusta University earn a median of about $25,900 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,300 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Augusta University graduates have a $9,399 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($15,000 vs. $24,399).
• Among borrowers, Augusta University graduates have an estimated $97 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($155 vs. $252).
• More Augusta University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.