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.
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
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).
- 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
- 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.
- Check Eligibility
See what's required for you to enter as a transfer student.
- 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).
- 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
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.
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.
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!
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.
Financial Aid
Discover how you can make your tuition affordable and accessible. NSU offers different aid options to best fit your needs. And if you need guidance, you can talk one-on-one with an NSU Financial Aid advisor.
Scholarships
Northern offers a variety of scholarships to recognize your academic and personal achievements. Ranging from merit scholarships to program specific scholarships, see which ones you qualify for.
Tuition & Costs
Northern State University is dedicated to keeping tuition and costs affordable for all students. Learn more about the breakdown of tuition and fees so you can plan ahead.
Financial Aid FAQs
Have questions regarding financial aid? Check out these financial aid frequently asked questions!
Residence LifeEnjoy 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 OrganizationsMeet 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 EventsGet 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, SDAs 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 have the 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.
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.
