Start Your NSU Journey Here

Become a Wolf and join a pack that will support you for life! With Northern State University's close-knit community, experiential programs and wide array of student support resources and services, you'll have everything you need to achieve your goals and better your future. Applying to NSU is easy! Follow the steps below to get started and if you need help, the Admissions Office is here to assist.

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION SCHEDULE A VISIT

Take a virtual tour!

Join a Tight-Knit Wolf Pack

Make Northern your home away from home with all that campus life has to offer you.

  • Friendly, close-knit student community
  • Interest-based student organizations and intramural sports
  • Safe, comfortable and modern residence halls
  • Healthy and delicious dining options

 

Student Life

How to Apply

Freshmen

Submit Your Application

Select the application for "Undergraduate Students" to get started. You'll need to gather some documents for your application, including high school transcripts and postsecondary transcripts (if applicable).

Apply to Northern

Admission Requirements

Complete the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available starting on October 1 at Federal Student Aid.

Priority deadline is March 1. Complete your FAFSA as early as possible to maximize your award amount.

NSU’s FAFSA code: 003466

Submit your FAFSA

Additional FAFSA Info

Send Transcripts

You'll need to submit your high school transcript(s) and any previous postsecondary school records. Contact your previous school and have them mail official transcripts to:

NSU Admissions Office

1200 S. Jay St.

Aberdeen, SD 57401

Submit Test Scores

NSU offers test-optional admission. If you wish to submit your ACT and/or SAT scores, request that your scores be sent directly to NSU.

NSU's codes:

3916 (for ACT)

6487 (for SAT)

Some scholarships require ACT or SAT scores for eligibility

 

Transfer

Submit Your Application

Select the application for "Transfer Students" to get started.

Apply Now

Check Eligibility

See what's required for you to enter as a transfer student.

Transfer Students

Transfer Student Checklist

Send Transcripts

Send official transcripts from all schools you've attended to NSU Admissions.

Check Credit Transfer

Determine how your credits may transfer with our Transfer Credit Calculator.

 

International

Submit Your Application

Complete your application online and follow the instructions to pay the $20 nonrefundable application fee.

Submit Your Test Score

Take one of the following academic or English proficiency tests and send the results to NSU Admissions:

TOEFL IBT, IELTS, SAT or ACT

Submit Transcript(s)

Send your high school transcript/marks sheet to the NSU International Office. If necessary, include a copy that has been professionally translated into English.

Mailed official transcripts are required upon admission.

Visa Compliance

If admitted to Northern, you will complete a declaration of finances. Proving your financial ability to support your program is a requirement to obtain an I-20 Form of Eligibility for the F1 student visa.

 

Returning Students

Submit Your Application

If you're returning to Northern without having attended another college, apply as a readmit student. If you're returning to complete a college degree, apply as a transfer student ($20 application fee is required).

Apply to Northern

Admission Requirements

Complete the FAFSA

Complete your FAFSA if you intend to apply for financial aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available starting on October 1 at Federal Student Aid.

Priority deadline is March 1. Complete your FAFSA as early as possible to maximize your award amount.

NSU’s FAFSA code: 003466

Submit your FAFSA

Visit FAFSA for details

Submit Transcripts

Submit your:

  • Final official high school transcript(s), unless you already have a bachelor's degree
  • Final official college transcript, and
  • Current immunization record if you'll attend classes on campus

 

High School Dual Credit

Submit Your Application

If you're a current HSDC student, register for next semester through Northern State University.

If you're a new HSDC student, apply now through the South Dakota Board of Regents.

Learn more at High School Dual Credit: How to Apply.

Get Your Scholarship

You may qualify for Northern's Dual Credit Scholarship and our four-year merit-based WolfPACT Unleashed Scholarship! See scholarship requirements at High School Dual Credit. If you qualify, you don't need to apply; you'll automatically receive the scholarship.

 

Empowering Academics

Historically renowned as a teaching school, Northern State University offers hands-on experiential learning designed to get you from learning to doing. With the first-year seminar you'll take as an incoming student and the wide array of supportive services offered, you'll have the tools and support to thrive at Northern.

 

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES

ACADEMICS

 

Four students gathering around a table

Student Success Center

The Student Success Center is your source of support for all things Northern. Student Success encompasses services like tutoring, advising, career services, the American Indian Circle Program and other student support services.

Check Out the Student Success Center

Questions about your application? Get in touch.

Our friendly and dedicated admissions team is here to answer any questions you may have regarding the application process.

Applying as a Graduate Student

Go to our graduate studies page for information on how to apply. We're excited for you to join the Wolf Pack as you continue your education!

 

 

GRADUATE ADMISSION

 

Find Your Program

 

Find your program and get started on your academic and professional journey. Not sure what you want to study? Complete the Request Information form to get guidance from an academic advisor. They'll walk you through program options and help you find your best fit. 

Explore Financial Aid Resources

Northern State University is committed to providing a first-class education that's affordable and accessible. With more than 81% of students receiving some type of aid, Northern offers an average of $15 million annually. Aid options include scholarships, grants, loans and student employment. 

Residence Life

Enjoy all the comforts of both home and community with Northern's residence life. NSU's modern residence halls are fully furnished, have high-speed Internet and feature shared areas like laundry rooms, kitchen spaces, lounge spaces and study rooms.

Student Organizations

Meet other students who are passionate about the same things you are with Northern's diverse assortment of 40+ organizations. From academics to special interest, there's something for everyone.

Campus Events

Get involved on campus and meet new people with Northern's variety of weekly, monthly and annual campus events. Learn something new with the Student Success Gold Series workshops or de-stress with wellness events. 

Aberdeen, SD

As a student at Northern, you'll be part of NSU's tight-knit community, and that includes the surrounding city of Aberdeen. This charming college town supports NSU and its students and is part of what makes Northern so unique.

Admitted Students

Get ready to HOWL!

Open the door into your new life in college with Northern's new-student orientation, also called HOWL (Helping Our Wolves Learn). This new-student orientation is a great way for students, parents and families to become familiar with Northern. During HOWL, you will hav ethe change to meet your classmates, sign up for classes for your first semester, get your Pack Pass student ID, meet your academic advisor, tour residence halls and more. Whether you attend in person or virtually, this is a perfect way to meet your pack and get ready for your life at NSU. 

 

ORIENTATION SIGN-UP ADMITTED STUDENTS

Two students studying at their desks in their residence hall room

Apply for Housing

Complete your housing application for Northern's fully furnished, upgraded residential halls and find out where you'll be living and who you'll be living with. NSU works to pair you with the best hall and roommate based on your needs and interests.

Housing Application