Aberdeen, in the flat farm country of north-eastern South Dakota, has been home to Northern State University since 1901. It's a small public university with classes that rarely feel crowded and fees that are low even for out-of-state students. Business, banking, education and the sciences are the main strengths. Winters are serious, and campus life is close-knit.
Aberdeen, South Dakota, United States
Official website: northern.edu
1901
Public university
Aberdeen, South Dakota
$10,000 – $13,000
International students, before scholarships, approximate
$9,000 – $12,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on northern.edu before you apply.
BS Business Administration
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Banking and Financial Services
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Biology
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
MS Education
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
Low tuition for out-of-state and international students.
Small classes in a small city.
A banking programme with local bank partners.
Graduates work in banking, business and teaching across the Upper Midwest.
Avera St. Luke's and the 3M plant are among Aberdeen's larger employers.
Bachelor's graduates can usually work in the US for a year on OPT.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Aberdeen is a small regional city surrounded by wheat and soybean fields, known for pheasant hunting in autumn.
Winters are long and very cold, and summers warm. Rent and everyday costs are among the lowest you'll find at a US university.
Form I-20 issued by Northern State University
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Northern State reviews applications on a rolling basis. International students should apply by early summer for fall or October for spring.
Students start in August for fall or January for spring.
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from Northern State University first (they need your deposit and bank documents), then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend the visa interview. Book the interview early in peak season.
Business administration, banking and financial services, biology and education are popular. Undergraduates need school transcripts and IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 61; the master's programmes need a bachelor's degree.
Northern State offers scholarships to many international students, often based on grades. Ask admissions for the current awards.
