Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Northern State University

Aberdeen, SD

Total Enrollment

3,708

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

93

93 programs

Full-Time Students

1,033

2,049 part-time

Total FTE

1,839

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

17:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

20
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
387
Total Recent Graduates

Northern State University serves 3,708 students, providing focused education with personalized instruction and hands-on learning. The school offers 93 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 1,033 (33.5%)
33.5%
Part-Time Students 2,049 (66.5%)
66.5%
Total Students 3,082

Majority part-time students (66.5%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (27.9%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
61.6%
2,283 students
Men
38.4%
1,425 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
82.7%
3,065 students
White
82.7% (3,065)
Hispanic/Latino
4.0% (147)
Two or More Races
2.9% (107)
International Students
2.9% (106)
Black/African American
2.0% (75)
American Indian/Alaska Native
1.7% (64)
Asian
1.5% (54)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.1% (5)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (62%) across 3,708 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 83% of the student body (3,065 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 62% 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.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

3,169 students

40% Men, 60% Women
1,120 Full-time 2,049 Part-time
Diversity Index: 34% • Minority Students: 10%

Graduate students

589 students

25% Men, 75% Women
67 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%

All Full-Time

1,187
All full-time students
526 men, 661 women
Diversity: 41%

FT Undergraduate

1,033
Full-time undergraduate
455 men, 578 women
Diversity: 35%

FT Undergraduate

1,120
Full-time undergraduate
498 men, 622 women
Diversity: 41%

FT Degree-Seeking

997
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
440 men, 557 women
Diversity: 33%

FT Degree-Seeking

1,047
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
477 men, 570 women
Diversity: 36%

FT First-Time

305
Full-time first-time students
128 men, 177 women
Diversity: 32%

FT First-Time

339
Full-time first-time students
141 men, 198 women
Diversity: 37%

FT Continuing

708
Full-time continuing students
336 men, 372 women
Diversity: 35%

FT Continuing

692
Full-time continuing students
312 men, 380 women
Diversity: 33%

FT Transfer

72
Full-time transfer students
41 men, 31 women
Diversity: 49%

FT Transfer

71
Full-time transfer students
38 men, 33 women
Diversity: 59%

FT Continuing

637
Full-time other continuing
298 men, 339 women
Diversity: 32%

FT Continuing

620
Full-time other continuing
271 men, 349 women
Diversity: 31%

FT Non-Degree

73
Full-time non-degree seeking
21 men, 52 women
Diversity: 39%

FT Non-Degree

36
Full-time non-degree seeking
15 men, 21 women
Diversity: 54%

FT Graduate

70
Full-time graduate students
34 men, 36 women
Diversity: 35%

FT Graduate

67
Full-time graduate students
28 men, 39 women
Diversity: 43%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

2,521
All part-time students
899 men, 1,622 women
Diversity: 26%

All Part-Time

2,418
All part-time students
831 men, 1,587 women
Diversity: 23%

PT Undergraduate

2,049
Part-time undergraduate
769 men, 1,280 women
Diversity: 29%

PT Undergraduate

1,899
Part-time undergraduate
718 men, 1,181 women
Diversity: 26%

PT Degree-Seeking

226
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
70 men, 156 women
Diversity: 43%

PT Degree-Seeking

242
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
86 men, 156 women
Diversity: 45%

PT First-Time

14
Part-time first-time students
6 men, 8 women
Diversity: 67%

PT First-Time

17
Part-time first-time students
6 men, 11 women
Diversity: 60%

PT Continuing

228
Part-time continuing students
80 men, 148 women
Diversity: 43%

PT Continuing

209
Part-time continuing students
64 men, 145 women
Diversity: 41%

PT Transfer

25
Part-time transfer students
10 men, 15 women
Diversity: 68%

PT Transfer

20
Part-time transfer students
6 men, 14 women
Diversity: 54%

PT Continuing

203
Part-time other continuing
70 men, 133 women
Diversity: 38%

PT Continuing

189
Part-time other continuing
58 men, 131 women
Diversity: 39%

PT Non-Degree

1,657
Part-time non-degree seeking
632 men, 1,025 women
Diversity: 23%

PT Non-Degree

1,823
Part-time non-degree seeking
699 men, 1,124 women
Diversity: 27%

PT Graduate

519
Part-time graduate students
113 men, 406 women
Diversity: 8%

PT Graduate

472
Part-time graduate students
130 men, 342 women
Diversity: 11%

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

2,569
White
70
Black/African American
131
Hispanic/Latino
51
Asian
99
International
Diversity Index: 34% Minority Students: 10%

Graduate students

553
White
6
Black/African American
8
Hispanic/Latino
3
Asian
7
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.

View Student Outcomes

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.

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 3,708 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: 1,839 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.

Contact Information

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
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