Northern State University sits on a 72-acre campus on the south side of Aberdeen. It has an enrollment of about 2,500 students, who range from underclassmen to graduate students. It served primarily as a teacher training facility in the early 1900s before become a university in 1989. Its campus has 21 buildings, with many of the more historic facilities facing an inner park called "The Green." Its mascot is the wolf.
The 100-acre main campus of Presentation College is located on Aberdeen's northwest side. Enrollment is about 800 students, many of whom pursue degrees in the healthcare industry. It was founded in 1951 by the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The school's other campuses are located in Lakota, Fairmont and Sioux Falls. The school nickname is the Saints.
Both Presentation and Northern State offer dozens of clubs for students, as well as athletics. The clubs range from social and professional organizations to religious groups. The schools have art galleries and theater offerings. Both institutions offer student centers, which serve as gathering places for students, as well as dining areas.
The 2000 census showed Aberdeen with about 24,600 residents, making it the third largest city in South Dakota. It was settled in the 19th century and grew largely because of the railroad that was built through the region. Today, the BNSF Railway carries freight and grain through the city, while its residents rely on the Aberdeen Regional Airport, bus service and two major US highways to take them where they want to go.