Western Colorado University vs NSU-Aberdeen
Western Colorado University and Northern State University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Western Colorado University, nestled in the picturesque Gunnison Valley, boasts a higher acceptance rate, allowing more students to pursue their academic aspirations. Northern State University, located in the vibrant city of Aberdeen, South Dakota, is known for its strong focus on undergraduate education and a diverse student body. While Western Colorado University excels in fields like Business, Education, and Health Professions, Northern State University shines in areas such as Business, Education, and Nursing. Explore the comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details about these universities, including their graduation rates, student demographics, and more, to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic goals and preferences.
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![]() Northern State University |
![]() Western Colorado University |
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Overview |
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Location | Aberdeen, South Dakota | Gunnison, Colorado |
Campus setting | Town: Remote | Town: Remote |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 68.0% | 74.0% |
![]() |
No | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 79.8% | 90.9% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$20
Graduate:
$35
|
Undergraduate:
$30
Graduate:
$50
|
SAT range | 1020 - 1190 | 1040 - 1230 |
ACT range | 18 - 24 | 21 - 26 |
Students submitting SAT score | 5.0% | 37.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 80.0% | 11.0% |
Total number of applicants | 1,229 | 3,243 |
Total number of admissions given out | 981 | 2,947 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 337 | 456 |
Yield rate | 34.4% | 15.5% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Not required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$23,495
Out of state:
$26,597
|
In state:
$26,956
Out of state:
$38,740
|
Average net price | $16,821 | $17,490 |
Tuition |
In state:
$7,616
Out of state:
$10,718
|
In state:
$6,816
Out of state:
$18,600
|
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$4,800
Meal plan:
$4,350
|
Room/dormitory:
$5,200
Meal plan:
$4,790
|
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
89.0%
Average amount $5,662 |
87.0%
Average amount $8,085 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
65.0%
Average amount $4,850 |
56.0%
Average amount $4,669 |
Students taking out private loans |
10.0%
Average amount $9,043 |
7.0%
Average amount $12,501 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
2,867
Men 40.6% Women 59.4% |
3,241
Men 51.4% Women 48.6% |
Graduate students |
473
Men 26.6% Women 73.4% |
448
Men 31.2% Women 68.8% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
|
Low
|
Out-of-state students | 38.9% | 34.9% |
International students | 2.1% | 0.3% |
Campus local/setting | Town: Remote | Town: Remote |
Dormitory capacity | 853 | 1,241 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | South Dakota Minnesota North Dakota Iowa Wisconsin | Colorado Texas California Alaska Illinois |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 16:1 | 18:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 47.6% | 47.6% |
Dropout rate | 25.4% | 32.8% |
Transferred out | 22.9% | 17.2% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Master's Degrees)
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Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Master's Degrees)
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
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