Black Hills State University
About Black Hills State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Black Hills State University is a public university in Spearfish, South Dakota, near the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore. It offers affordable programs in business, education, outdoor education, and communications, with a scenic mountain campus.
Founded
1883
Location
Spearfish, South Dakota
Students
2,076
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
96.3%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
42.6%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$8,764
Out-of-state: $11,866
Avg Net Price
$15,911
After financial aid
SAT Average
1087
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$46,674
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$20
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Black Hills State University accepts the majority of applicants at 96.3%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1087/ 1600
ACT Scores
21/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
42.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
71.7%
4-Year Grad
26%
6-Year Grad
42%
Teaching Quality
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
66.1%
$/Student
$6.4K
Class Size
Medium
The 26% graduation rate is below average, but 71.7% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$8,764
In-State
$11,866
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,160
Books & Supplies
$1,092
Total Cost of Attendance
$21,277
After Financial Aid
$15,911
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$11,863
Receive Grants
20%
Take Loans
27.6%
The total cost of attendance runs about $21,277/yr, including $12,160 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $15,911.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Black Hills State University fund their education.
While in School
20%
Get Grants
Free money
27.6%
Take Loans
Must repay
$51,046
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$26,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$276/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $26,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $47K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Black Hills State University.
Gender
66.5%
Female
34%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,928
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
148
Graduates
28.4%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
10.9%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 67% of the student body. 28.4% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
1,928
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Black Hills State University fields 9 varsity teams with 510 student athletes, about 26% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Rocky Mountain
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
510
26% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
53% / 47%
271
Men
239
Women
4
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Black Hills State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$46,674
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$46K
82 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$48K
41 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$34K
27 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$34K
26 grads
1yr Earnings
Community Organization and Advocacy
$39K
21 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$36K
20 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $39K six years out, growing to $47K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Black Hills State University
What is the acceptance rate at Black Hills State University?▾
How much does Black Hills State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Black Hills State University?▾
How much do Black Hills State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.