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Black Hills State University

Spearfish, South Dakota — 1200 University St, 57799-9500

Annual Tuition $9,000
Enrollment 1,935
Acceptance Rate 94.4%
Median Salary $46,674

Black Hills State University is a leading Public institution located in Spearfish, South Dakota. Established to provide high-quality education, Black Hills State University offers a range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence in the United States region.

Black Hills State University Quick Facts
Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
Location Spearfish, South Dakota
Type Public
Total Enrollment 1,935 students
Median Salary $46,674

Black Hills State University — Institution Overview

Institution Name Black Hills State University
Location Spearfish, South Dakota
Official Website https://www.bhsu.edu/
Address 1200 University St
Spearfish, SD 57799-9500
Institution Type Public
Total Students 1,935

Black Hills State University Admissions Process

Acceptance Rate 94.4% Open Admission
Avg. SAT Score 1,050 out of 1600
ACT Midpoint 21 out of 36
ACT Math 20 midpoint
ACT English 20 midpoint

Black Hills State University Tuition Fees and Costs

In-State Tuition $9,000
Out-of-State Tuition $12,100
Pell Grant Rate 18.5%
Median Debt (Completers) $26,000

The Real Cost

Average net price after aid, grouped by household income.

Net price after aid

Black Hills State University cost by family income

These are the average out-of-pocket costs after grants and scholarships, based on U.S. Department of Education reporting.

Family income $0 - $30,000 $12,475/yr
Family income $30,001 - $48,000 $13,564/yr
Family income $48,001 - $75,000 $17,864/yr
Family income $75,001 - $110,000 $19,145/yr

Low-income families under $30k pay an average of $12,475 per year. This band often benefits most from Pell Grants and institutional aid.

Calculate your personal aid

Opens the official Federal Student Aid Estimator.

Admission Chance

Compare your SAT or ACT score with the middle 50% of enrolled students.

94.4% acceptance rate

Is Black Hills State University hard to get into?

ACT score range

18 - 23

25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students

Check your admission chances

Enter your score to see whether this school is a reach, target, or safety option.

Major Spotlight

Top programs by early-career earnings from this institution.

Top 3 by early salary

Based on median earnings two years after graduation from Black Hills State University, using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.

1

Special Education and Teaching. salary after Black Hills State University

Bachelor's Degree
Steady earning
2yr salary $41,725 median/yr
Median debt $26,812 at graduation
Salary/debt 156% ROI ratio
1yr: $49,134 4yr: $43,683
2

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. salary after Black Hills State University

Bachelor's Degree
Steady earning
2yr salary $40,768 median/yr
Median debt $26,312 at graduation
Salary/debt 155% ROI ratio
1yr: $47,978 4yr: $43,297
3

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. salary after Black Hills State University

Bachelor's Degree
Steady earning
2yr salary $40,768 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $47,494 4yr: $43,872

Salary data reflects U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reporting.

Black Hills State University Acceptance Rate and Enrollment Statistics

94.4% Open Admission

Acceptance rate based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education data.

Total Students 1,935
Undergrad 1,739
Retention Rate 72.2% full-time
Full-Time Students 80.2%

Courses and Academic Programs at Black Hills State University

10 programs
Program Name
Degree
Graduates
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Bachelor's
Graduates 173
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Bachelor's
Graduates 118
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Bachelor's
Graduates 66
Psychology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 54
Community Organization and Advocacy.
Bachelor's
Graduates 50
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Master's
Graduates 49
Biology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 36
Biology, General.
Associate's
Graduates 35
Communication and Media Studies.
Bachelor's
Graduates 34
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Associate's
Graduates 34
Showing top 10 of 57 programs by graduates

Career Opportunities and Alumni Network at Black Hills State University

Median Salary (10 yrs after entry) $46,674 U.S. Dept. of Education
Median (6 yrs) $38,927
Graduation Rate 38.6% 4-year (150%)
4-Year Graduation Rate
Graduate Earnings Timeline — Black Hills State University
Timeframe After Entry Median Earnings
6 Years After Entry $38,927
10 Years After Entry $46,674
Is Black Hills State University Worth It? — ROI Analysis 2026
Average Net Price $17,001
Median Career Earnings (10 yrs) $46,674
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate 219600%

Campus Life and Student Facilities at Black Hills State University

Total Students 1,935
Undergrad 1,739
Graduate 196
Retention Rate 72.2% full-time

Gender Breakdown

66.3%
33.7%
Women Men

Enrollment Type

Full-time 80.2%
Part-time
Full-time Part-time

Diversity & Ethnicity

White
80%
Unknown / Unreported
6.1%
Hispanic
4.3%
American Indian / Alaska Native
4.2%
Black
1.7%
Two or More Races
1.6%
International
1.5%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0.1%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 22
🎓
First-Generation 28.4%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 53.2%
💍
Married Students 11%
📅
Students Age 25+ 10.9%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 62.5%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $49,477
Average Family Income $60,509
Median Family Income $51,046

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

60.8%
39.3%
Women Men
Student-Faculty Ratio 17:1 students per faculty member

Scholarships and Grants at Black Hills State University

Black Hills State University participates in federal financial aid programs. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and reflects the most recently available award year. Students should contact the financial aid office directly for current scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, and merit-based awards.

Pell Grant Rate 18.5% of students
Federal Loan Rate 29.6% of students
Avg Net Price $17,001 after aid
Median Debt $26,000 completers

Average Net Price by Family Income

Income Bracket Net Price / Year

Student Debt Overview

Median Debt — Completers $26,000
Cumulative Debt — 25th Percentile $5,500
Cumulative Debt — 75th Percentile $26,000

Financial aid availability, grant amounts, and scholarship criteria change each award year. Contact Black Hills State University's financial aid office or visit the official website for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Black Hills State University Rankings and Accreditation

Institution Type Public
Geographic Region United States
Title IV Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
4-Year Graduation Rate 38.6%
Median Graduate Salary $46,674
Data Source U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard & IPEDS (2026)

Institutional accreditation status is maintained by regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Title IV approval (above) confirms Black Hills State University meets eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.

Housing and Campus Location for Black Hills State University

Frequently Asked Questions about Black Hills State University

What is the acceptance rate at Black Hills State University?

Black Hills State University has an acceptance rate of 94.4%, making it an accessible institution with moderate admissions standards.

How much is tuition at Black Hills State University?

Tuition at Black Hills State University is $9,000 per year. Net price and financial aid options may reduce this cost significantly depending on individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for graduates of Black Hills State University?

Graduates of Black Hills State University earn a median salary of $46,674 per year, based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education earnings data.

Where is Black Hills State University located?

Black Hills State University is located at 1200 University St, Spearfish, South Dakota 57799-9500. The campus is situated in the United States region of the United States.

Contact Facts

Data sourced from 2026 US Dept. of Ed

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