Northern State University (NSU) is a four-year public university located in Aberdeen, South Dakota. NSU is governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents and offers 38 majors and 42 minors, as well as six associate, eight pre-professional and nine graduate degrees. Founded on the intersection of the southern and eastern branches of the Milwaukee Railroad, Aberdeen, South Dakota saw a rapid growth in its population during the late 19th century; this rapid growth led the citizens of northern South Dakota to push for a government-funded institute of higher learning. During the 1855 legislative session a Bill was passed creating the University of Central Dakota to be located in the small town of Ordway, however, funds were not approved for the school until the 1857 legislative session. Even though the funds had been approved the bill had been vetoed by Governor Louis K. Church for financial considerations and the statewide lack of support; it would take a few more decades before the school became a reality. In 1900 Aberdeen had the fastest growing population in northern South Dakota and supporters for the school began to organize in greater numbers.