Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Northern State University

Aberdeen, SD

Total Enrollment

3,521

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

91 programs

Full-Time Students

1,033

1,899 part-time

Total FTE

1,745

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

17:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

Certificate Graduates

Short-term specialized training

473

Total Recent Graduates

Northern State University serves 3,521 students, providing focused education with personalized instruction and hands-on learning. The school offers 91 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 1,033 (35.2%)

35.2%

Part-Time Students 1,899 (64.8%)

64.8%

Total Students 2,932

Majority part-time students (64.8%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time

Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (29.3%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Women

62.5%

2,201 students

Men

37.5%

1,320 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

White

85.4%

3,008 students

White

85.4% (3,008)

Hispanic/Latino

3.8% (135)

Two or More Races

2.4% (85)

Black/African American

2.2% (79)

International Students

1.9% (66)

Asian

1.5% (52)

American Indian/Alaska Native

1.4% (48)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.1% (2)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (63%) across 3,521 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 85% of the student body (3,008 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 63% of students.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

2,932 students

40% Men, 60% Women

1,033 Full-time 1,899 Part-time

Diversity Index: 29% • Minority Students: 10%

Graduate students

589 students

25% Men, 75% Women

70 Full-time 519 Part-time

Diversity Index: 12% • Minority Students: 4%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

1,103

All full-time students

489 men, 614 women

Diversity: 35%

FT Undergraduate

1,033

Full-time undergraduate

455 men, 578 women

Diversity: 35%

FT Degree-Seeking

997

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

440 men, 557 women

Diversity: 33%

FT First-Time

305

Full-time first-time students

128 men, 177 women

Diversity: 32%

FT Continuing

692

Full-time continuing students

312 men, 380 women

Diversity: 33%

FT Transfer

Full-time transfer students

41 men, 31 women

Diversity: 49%

FT Continuing

620

Full-time other continuing

271 men, 349 women

Diversity: 31%

FT Non-Degree

Full-time non-degree seeking

15 men, 21 women

Diversity: 54%

FT Graduate

Full-time graduate students

34 men, 36 women

Diversity: 35%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

2,418

All part-time students

831 men, 1,587 women

Diversity: 23%

PT Undergraduate

1,899

Part-time undergraduate

718 men, 1,181 women

Diversity: 26%

PT Degree-Seeking

242

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

86 men, 156 women

Diversity: 45%

PT First-Time

Part-time first-time students

6 men, 8 women

Diversity: 67%

PT Continuing

228

Part-time continuing students

80 men, 148 women

Diversity: 43%

PT Transfer

Part-time transfer students

10 men, 15 women

Diversity: 68%

PT Continuing

203

Part-time other continuing

70 men, 133 women

Diversity: 38%

PT Non-Degree

1,657

Part-time non-degree seeking

632 men, 1,025 women

Diversity: 23%

PT Graduate

519

Part-time graduate students

113 men, 406 women

Diversity: 8%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

2,455

White

Black/African American

127

Hispanic/Latino

Asian

International

Diversity Index: 29% Minority Students: 10%

Graduate students

553

White

Black/African American

Hispanic/Latino

Asian

International

Diversity Index: 12% Minority Students: 4%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

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Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Northern State University

College Overview

General information

Programs & Degrees

Available study options

Admissions

Requirements & process

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Northern State University's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large institution with 3,521 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Study Patterns: Flexible scheduling with many part-time students balancing work and education.

• Academic Intensity: 1,745 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.

• Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.

• Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (17:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.

• Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.

• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.

• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

6056263011

Address

1200 S Jay St

Aberdeen, SD 57401-7198

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

• Working adults seeking career changes
• Recent high school graduates
• Military veterans using education benefits
• Students upgrading skills in their field
• Individuals seeking fast-track credentials