Quad

Admissions

Getting in, fall 2024

Northern State admits about 9 in 10 applicants (93%). That puts it in the "Open" tier, more selective than 16% of the 1,547 colleges that report admissions.

Fall 2014: 83%Over time

Out of every 100 applicants…

Admitted & enrolled33 of 100 · 356 students
Admitted, went elsewhere60 of 100 · 654
Not admitted7 of 100 · 76

The funnel

Applied
1,086
Admitted
1,010
Enrolled
356

$20 to apply

Grants credit for AP exams

Men and women

Men were admitted at 89%, women at 96%.

Women admitted96%
Men admitted89%
35%

Yield

35% of admitted students enroll, in the typical range nationally.

Yield rate vs. every college35%
35%
← 5%higher than 77% of 1,576100% →
Acceptance rate vs. every college93%
93%
← More selectivemore selective than 16% of 1,547Less selective →

Where you stand

How Northern State reads a record

GPA, the high school record, class rank, and a college-prep program are required. Scores are optional. 2% of first-years sent an SAT and 74% an ACT.

What they look at

High school GPA
Required
High school record
Required
Class rank
Required
College-prep program
Required
Recommendations
Considered
Essay
Considered
Legacy status
Not considered
Work experience
Not considered
Demonstration of competencies
Not considered
English proficiency test
Required
Other tests
Not considered

On the admissions map

PublicPrivateDot size = undergrads

↑ SAT midpoint (higher = higher scores)

Most selective zone80090010001100120013001400150016000%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%Northern State University
Acceptance rate → less selective

Test scores

What enrolled first-years scored

The typical enrolled first-year who sent scores is around 1070 on the SAT, 100 points below the median for colleges that report scores.

Test policy

Optional

Scores are considered if you send them. For students who entered in fall 2024.

Where would you land?

SAT total980–1160median 1060
8001000120014001600
Reading & Writing490–590median 530
400500600700800
Math490–570median 530
400500600700800

Middle 50% of enrolled first-years who sent scores This college's median National median midpoint

Who submitted scores?

2%

submitted SAT

74%

submitted ACT

At least half of students submitted a score, so the ranges are reasonably representative.

SAT midpoint vs. every college1070
1070
← 900higher than 23% of 9361535 →

Sources:IPEDS Admissions survey, Fall 2024;IPEDS Institutional Characteristics survey, 2023–24;IPEDS Institutional Characteristics survey (athletics, programs, services, religious affiliation), 2025–26About the data(retrieved 2026-10-12)