NSU spring 2017 graduates walking

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Two-thirds of Northern State University graduates stay in South Dakota to work or further their education.

That’s according to the South Dakota Board of Regents’ Graduate Placement Dashboard, which provides a comprehensive look at in-state graduate employment throughout the public university system over the last five years. The dashboard shows that 66 percent of Northern’s 2,206 graduates from the past five years chose to live and work in South Dakota.

In terms of employment, the top industries among Northern’s graduates were educational services and health care/social assistance, with nearly 50 percent of NSU graduates obtaining jobs in these fields.

“We’re proud that our graduates are choosing to remain in South Dakota, having an impact on the regional workforce and making a difference for the entire state,” said NSU President Dr. Tim Downs. “Northern has always had an excellent relationship with the community and region, and this is an extension of that supportive partnership.”

Northern’s Economic Impact

Northern also generates about $229 million of annual economic impact to South Dakota. With freshman enrollment trending upward, that impact could continue to increase. NSU saw a 5 percent growth in its freshman class in fall 2018.

NSU Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Dr. Jeremy Reed said freshmen often ask about the community of Aberdeen and all that it has to offer.

“Continuing to increase our freshman student numbers would mean bringing in even more students to see all of the opportunities available at Northern, as well as in Aberdeen and the surrounding region,” Reed said.

Top Community for Millennials

Aberdeen was recognized in a recent article featured on the USA Today website among the top 11 cities in the nation for millennial home buyers. Aberdeen ranked No. 2 on this list, with affordability and increased job availability believed to be factors.

Reed said Northern strives to respond to workforce demands when considering new programs. For instance, the forthcoming master of accounting analytics program will fill a need in the regional workforce while setting NSU graduates apart from others in the accounting field.

“It’s a matter of balancing student needs with workforce needs,” Reed said. “When we succeed at both, it’s a win-win for our students and for the state of South Dakota.”

About Northern State University

Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $55 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.