Your chances of getting into Northern State University
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at NSU is 78.1%. Its admission rate is the 6th lowest in South Dakota.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into NSU and can you get accepted?
Northern State University is an easy school to get into and you have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 1,033 out of the 1,322 who applied were admitted.
Northern State University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.37. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 29% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into NSU?
78% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to Northern State University you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.37 or better
- Earn B+ grades in high school
- Score 980 on the SAT
- Score 21 on the ACT
- Graduate in the top half of your high school class
NSU GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Northern State University?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into NSU are to have around a 3.37 high school GPA. You are required to have above average high school grades.
If your high school grades are above the average 3.37 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as NSU accepts 78% of applicants.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at NSU is 3.37 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #6 in South Dakota for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since NSU is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.4 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
NSU SAT Scores
Testing Requirements
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Northern State University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 3% of students submitted SAT scores and 82% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 410 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 390 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 800 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 580 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 570 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1150 |
| Average SAT Score | 980
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Northern State University?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at NSU is 980 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 800-1150. Students who get into Northern State University score in the top 91 percent of all SAT test takers.. NSU ranks #9 in the state of South Dakota for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 980 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. NSU regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 800 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 800, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 620, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
Northern State University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
View other colleges which accept students in the 980 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by SAT Score
The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 975, you have around a 78% chance of being admitted. A 1150 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 87% chance of getting in.
NSU ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 16 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 17 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 18 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 23 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 24 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 24 |
| Average ACT Score | 21
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for students to get into NSU?
Score Range
The average ACT score for admitted students to NSU is 21, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 18 and 24. The school ranks #9 in South Dakota for highest average ACT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 21. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 18 and score in the score in the top 62 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 15.
Scoring well on the ACT is very important as 82 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Northern State University.
Score Submission Requirements
You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Northern State University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Here are your predicted chances of getting into NSU for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 21 score has around 78% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 87% with a 24 ACT score.
High School Class Rank
67% of Northern State University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 29% are in the top quarter.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 9% |
| Top 25% of class | 29% |
| Top 50% of class | 67% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 732 | 586 | 1,322 |
| Accepted | 600 | 432 | 1,033 |
| Acceptance Rate | 82% | 74% | 78% |
| Enrolled | 170 | 129 | 299 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 28% | 30% | 29% |
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Northern State University is $20.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Northern State University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) |
| High School GPA | Required to be considered for admission |
| High School Class Rank | Required to be considered for admission |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required to be considered for admission |
| Recommendations | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | Yes |
Admission Requirements Summary
Because Northern State University is lightly competitive to get into, you have a very good chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.37 GPA, you are almost certain to getting in. Combining this with an SAT score of 980 and ACT of 21 will almost guarantee your admission.
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Northern State University often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=219259 IPEDS survey data for Northern State University.
FAQs
Does Northern State University prefer SAT or ACT?
3% of students submit their SAT scores to NSU. 82% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into Northern State University?
78% of those who apply are granted admission to NSU. Admission competition is and the college has very easy admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.
What SAT score is required for Northern State University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 800 and 1150. The average SAT score is 975. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.
What ACT score is required for Northern State University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 18 and 24. The average ACT score is 21. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.