Northern State University Reviews
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Megan from Scranton, ND
01/07/2010Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 1 of 14
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Northern State University is well-known for its music and history departments, so if one of these are your major area of study, I suggest you give Northern a second look. However, NSU is a good four-year university for many students in many different areas of study.
Tips for prospective students I recommend visiting the NSU campus and meeting the faculty. I found NSU was the best fit for me once I took a look around and met the faculty here. That combined with the low price of the college before and especially after their generous scholarship program made it no question where the best college for me was. Also, visiting the northern website (northern.edu) would be a good first step for prospective students.
Bang for the buck Northern State University is a public college with public college prices of under $15,000 a year (in-state tuition) but has a private college size. Even the largest general classes at NSU are around 60 students (and that's big!). Northern State University also has a wonderful 4-year academic scholarship program called the Wolf-Pact Scholarship program which is one of the best (if not the best) scholarship offer in the state of SD. This scholarship varies depending on a student's ACT (or SAT) score and GPA.
Am enjoying being here Going to college at NSU is like having a second family. Even the people I don't know are always friendly which includes all the faculty, alumni, and students. Students can be as involved or relaxed in their schedule as they want with varsity and intramural sports; the Symphonic, Community, and two Jazz Bands; Collegiate, Chamber, and Jazz Choirs; Debate and Speech Teams, multiple theatre activities including musical theatre, and different interest groups including the Accounting Club and many, many others. Students at NSU never have the excuse of being bored.
Am learning a lot I am learning everything I had hoped to as a college Freshman. The faculty here is not only more than qualified but because NSU is such a small campus, students here are more than just a number. Every professor genuinely cares about his/her students. All my professors knew me by name and said hello to me outside of class after a month of class. The professors at NSU have so much information to give you and are really excited to share it with you.
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Charlotte from Box Elder, SD
02/29/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 2 of 14
Categories Comments Campus Safety very safe and the student body works together to insure this.
Greek Life there is no greek life on campus.
Clubs and Activities there is a club or activity for everything that a person could possibly be interested in.
Great for these types of students small town, rural students who grow up on farms and ranches. asian students.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus students find their own space and locations.
Bang for the buck nsu is well worth it.
What to do for fun plenty of shopping, movies and restaurants. on campus they keep the activities going so that there is always plenty to do.
Food and Dining it's campus food, but it's not bad.
Dorm Life smaller dorms with close knit activities. they do allow you to move around in the case that you don't see eye to eye with a roommate.
Academic Rigor it is hard work, but there are plenty of ways to get extra help when and if you need it.
Tips for prospective students keep your dorm room door open. meet people. try new things.
In three sentences i love nsu! it is a smaller campus where faculty do get to know who you are. it is a caring campus, where you can get involved.
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Long from Vietnam
05/11/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 3 of 14
Categories Comments Campus Safety Campus is very safe. You can work to the stores at 2 a.m. in the morning without worrying about anything.
What to do for fun Hang out with friends on the weekends. Go to movies. Go camping, fishing and hunting.
Food and Dining Food is normal, not very special. There is not a lot of variety for you to choose.
Dorm Life There is always something to do in the dorm. You can always relax by participating in pool competition or red-neck prom or box car racing. You will never get bored.
Academic Rigor One of the best business courses in the State of South Dakota.
Tips for prospective students Get to know the professors. They are very friendly. Participate in lots of activities. That's the best way to make friends.
In three sentences Northern State University offers one of the best business course in South Dakota. I'm very satisfy with what I learn because the business professors are very good at teaching. Most of graduates from business program have jobs related to their major.
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Jenna from Pierre, SD
05/09/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 4 of 14
Categories Comments Campus Safety A student shouldn't be scared to be on campus during day and night hours. During night hours always have someone with you but there are campus officers that are around campus and watching for any type of mischief that might happen.
Greek Life I do not recognize any Greek Life on campus.
Clubs and Activities There are numerous clubs that you can join at NSU with different activities that go along with them. You can be in clubs that travel overseas or in a different state.
Great for these types of students Northern State University is a great place to go to college at especially students that want to make a career in music/theater and education or special ed. Northern has one of the top music and theater programs in the central division and has an excellent Education program for students who want to become teachers.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Some unusual traditions that happen during the daytime could be that foreign student would get into groups and perform a flash mob randomly during the day. Its fun to watch and enjoy.
Bang for the buck There are lots of different on-campus jobs that take place at Northern State University. Several of these jobs run from working in the cafe', working in the C-store, library help, gym and weight room help, and much more. It is easy for students to get to and from wherever they are to go to work and make good money. It also helps students not to drive to work since gas is not the cheapest these days either. Working on-campus is a great opportunity for students.
What to do for fun There are a lot of fun things to do on and off of Northern State University's campus. On campus there are a ton of volleyball courts to play volleyball and badminton at. There are a tons a green fields to play different field sports at or for the girls, laying on to tan. There is also a gym on campus to do activities in if people don't want to be outside. Off campus during hot weather days there are go carts you can ride on and swimming facilities to hang out/swim at. You can also go shopping at the mall or other places. When your 21 there are a ton of bars to go to, especially the bar called The Zoo. It is the most popular bar in town and excitement is always there.
Food and Dining The food at Northern State University isn't the healthiest, but it supplies you with a ton of options for what to eat. There is a salad bar, possible 3-4 different meals, based on what you want, a foreign bar of what I call it. This is a bar to get use to other countries, shows you what they eat on a daily base. There is also a desert table for your to pick out 2-3 different deserts also based on what you want. The food gets old after a while, but at least its something that is being provided for you.
Dorm Life Dorm life can be something new for everyone to get use to. These new living conditions helps you meet people that you will become friends with for your whole life. It also helps you to meet new people from different countries and become custom to their beliefs and traditions. Dorm life also helps you to face new challenges and how to share different things with all the people on your floor.
Academic Rigor There are a ton of Academic students at NSU. There are also a ton of Honor programs that you can become off and graduate from the University in High Honors.
Tips for prospective students Northern State University is very well based on their education and music programs. So any students that are interested in these subjects, NSU is the place for you. I feel like college is a lot easier than High school for me, but it doesn't mean that I am going to slack off. Future students: try your best in college and do well. Never know what opportunities can come your way.
In three sentences Northern State University is a highly educated University. It has a ton of majors and minors anyone would be searching for. The teachers/professor are excellent with the students and love to see them succeed.
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Jacob from Aberdeen, SD
06/04/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 5 of 14
Categories Comments Campus Safety The campus safety is great, never feels like a threatening environment.
Greek Life There is not a greek life on campus, but there is Gypsy Days, which is NSU's homecoming celebration. Full of activities to keep the homecoming week going and the school spirit up.
Clubs and Activities There is a huge assortment of clubs from academics to sports. It is very easy to stay involved because they cover a lot of the hobbies most students have.
Great for these types of students People who like to learn and have fun.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus There is a whole lot of traditions that go on around campus. They are always filled with students having a good time.
Bang for the buck At NSU, you feel like you're in your own small-town community where everyone knows everyone and they all get along. The tuition is a lot lower than most universities, but that fact don't take away from the amount of learning you will go through at NSU.
What to do for fun Any hobby people at NSU have, they can find right on campus. There is so much stuff to do, there is always an activity to participate in.
Food and Dining Food is great, you have your choices from something off the grill to something that may interpret a home-cooked meal. You can always eat healthy because the salad bar is always open. You have other options as well like pizza or the Asian station.
Dorm Life The rooms give you great space for when you want to get your studies done. Activities at the dorms are always going on so if you don't have any studying to do, you can always go out and have some fun.
Academic Rigor The teachers, the courses, and advisors are always top-notch. Teachers are always there to help you when you need them, the courses give you a chance to experience what you will be going through in your career, and the advisors are always helpful in getting you on the right path and keeping you on the right path to success.
Tips for prospective students At NSU, you will be part of a community that cares. People are always willing to help and are always super-friendly. Its a great place to learn and it is a great place to meet new people.
In three sentences The teachers at Northern State University are top-notch. They teach us the things we will need to know to succeed out in the working world. The institution as a whole could not be better, an overall friendly atmosphere.
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Brittni from Aberdeen, SD
06/25/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
6 of 14
Categories Comments Bang for the buck Very reasonable!
What to do for fun A huge variety of fun clubs!
Tips for prospective students Tour the campus FIRST!
In three sentences It has a great environment! Very friendly students and even friendlier staff!
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Allison from Bismarck, ND
09/16/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
7 of 14
Categories Comments Greek Life The Greek life is almost none-existent. There are two music fraternities, but nothing else.
Great for these types of students Northern has a phenomenal music program. The faculty is top notch, and is the reason I came here. There is also a great business program that attracts many international students.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Our homecoming is called Gypsie Days. It is a really big deal, and everyone goes all out. I have heard about something called The Burning of the 'N'.
What to do for fun Aberdeen is a small town. There are a lot of clubs on campus that one can join. A large majority of the campus enjoys going to the sporting evetns. The town has a great sense of community pride.
Food and Dining The food is not the best. It is very reminiscent of high school food. There are some options that are ocassionally edible. There is a coffee shop on campus that I prefer to eat at. It is better to get more flex dollars on you meal plan because the coffee shop and convienience store accept them.
Dorm Life Not all of the dorms have air conditioning, so it can get pretty hot. All of the dorms house both males and females, but some of them split up the genders by floors. Most of the dorms are very social. Often a large group of students from a dorm will go over and eat together.
Academic Rigor The general classes course load if very managable. However, because I am a music major, I spend a lot of extra time doing things that other people don't. But it is very managable.
Tips for prospective students Leave your dorm room door open at all times; it is great way to meet new people. Get involved and make friends. Don't be afraid to be social. You don't have to know what you want to do with your life because there will be time for that. This is the time to figure that out, and there are people who will help you along the way.
In three sentences Northern has a beautiful campus. It is a fairly small college, but that is what makes it so wonderful. One can really feel at home here.
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Julia from Carrington, ND
09/19/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
8 of 14
Categories Comments In three sentences A private school feel at a public school cost. This small college provides an amazing range of subjects and fantastic professors. Here, you're more than just a number.
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Abbey from Aberdeen, SD
10/01/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
9 of 14
Categories Comments What to do for fun There are many activities on campus and athletic events to attend. Also, people are very friendly within the dorms and there is always time to have fun or hang out with other students.
Tips for prospective students Work hard and attend your classes. Participate and be involved with student activities. Also, never turn down free food :)
In three sentences It's a small town atmosphere with great and friendly people. The professors are great and spend time with you working to help with any questions students have. It's a great place to be!
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Kamie from Valley City, ND
12/03/2012Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
10 of 14
Categories Comments In three sentences I've visited the campus, met with some faculty, and I absolutely love it there! It's a cozy, friendly, welcoming campus with so many doors wide open. They also have free laundry! :p
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Eleni from Watertown, SD
12/27/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
11 of 14
Categories Comments Campus Safety Campus safety is pretty good, and we do have a campus cop.
Clubs and Activities There are a ton of clubs and activities to join.
Great for these types of students This school is most known for its business and teaching programs, however there is a lot more to offer than that.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Gypsy days is our homecoming week for celebrations.
Bang for the buck Northern is relatively inexpensive compared to a lot of other schools. It's a little smaller, but that means more student/professor one-on-one time.
What to do for fun There is a ton of different things that you can do on campus, but off campus they have a mall, theater, and fun stores downtown. Always something to do.
Food and Dining We have a wide range of food in the cafeteria. You might get pretty sick of it after a while, but that's cafeteria food for you. It really isn't that bad. Just get the 100 meals and the 400 flex for the meal plan.
Dorm Life I honestly love dorm life. I have made so many new friends, and it's nice just being able to hang out.
Academic Rigor The level of work just depends on the classes you are taking, or if you are in honors or not. For the most part though it is somewhat of a challenge.
Tips for prospective students I would come and take a tour, because it has such a great atmosphere. Don't be afraid to ask questions either.
In three sentences I would give Northern a five out of five! I love it there so much, and it's nice because everything is at close range to you. I love how easy it is to get answers to your questions as well for things like financial aid.
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mpond
01/27/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
12 of 14
Categories Comments Tips for prospective students Apply during November because it is Free Application Month.
In three sentences Northern is a small school, good for students who do not want to be lost in the crowd. Class sizes are small, so professors learn who you are on a first name basis. There are also a lot of opportunities for studying abroad or undergraduate research across the country.
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Kelcy from Aberdeen, SD
02/20/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
13 of 14
Categories Comments Campus Safety The campus has a local police officer. He is a licensed law enforcement officer and available for keeping the campus safe.
Greek Life None available.
Clubs and Activities Clubs range from Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, Student Activities Club to intramural sport teams, business clubs, academic, special interest, etc.
Great for these types of students Northern State is great for students who don't want too big of a college, but don't want too small of a college. It is a wonderful size with new facilities, improvements, and filled with activities.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus An unusual tradition at Northern State is I Hate Winter weekend. During this weekend, students dress up in summer attire and attend the basketball games. It is a great way to cheer on the hometown teams and be a part of the roaring student section. There is a hot tub during the games that students can sit in too!
Bang for the buck The basketball games are very exciting. Wachs Arena can hold a lot of fans. Aberdeen is a smaller community; the majority of people from Aberdeen attend the games which make the atmosphere exciting.
What to do for fun There are a lot of things to do for fun. Some activities around campus like ace of cupcakes, bowling, ice skating, dances, fondue gatherings, swimming, pool table, ping pong, etc. You can attend basketball games, football games, wrestling, baseball, etc. too.
Food and Dining The food will get old after awhile, but there is always a variety of choices to eat. Try eating cereal sometimes if you don't want the food from the grill or a sandwich. There is always pizza, a salad bar, and a sandwich bar. If you want to eat healthy your best choice is salad or the dinner style food (which would be the food not on the made from the grill or fried).
Dorm Life Dorm life is as good as it gets. You get what you put into it. There are some things that aren't attractive about the dorm life like the bathrooms, dirty hallways, and sharing appliances in the lounge. The best thing about dorm life is hanging out with friends, helping friends with homework or other activities, and being on campus.
Academic Rigor The academic portion of Northern State is challenging, but achievable. Mix hard courses and easy courses during the same semester. Don't take all easy courses the first semester, then all hard courses the next semester. This will lead to stress and possibly a drop in GPA.
Tips for prospective students Some tips would be to work hard in high school so you can apply for a lot of scholarships and have a higher chance at being selected. Be involved in organizations, clubs, sports teams, etc. to get the full experience of college. Friendships are easily formed through activities.
In three sentences I rate Northern State as an 8 out of 10. Northern State has some advantages and disadvantages--just like every other college.
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Alex from Aberdeen, SD
04/06/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
14 of 14
Categories Comments What to do for fun They host multiple events on campus. Otherwise we have bowling, inline skating, and bike/walk trials all over town.
Food and Dining Could be improved.
Dorm Life Dorm life is as good as its going to get.
Tips for prospective students attend supplemental instruction for your courses. It's a difference between a letter grade most of the time.
In three sentences Northern is a great school if you're looking for a small campus. The staff is friendly and helpful. I recommend it if you want a more personal feel for the college.
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