Public Institution

Black Hills State University — Spearfish, South Dakota

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Annual Tuition $9,000

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 94.4%

Open Admission

Enrollment 1,935

Active Students

Avg. Salary $46,674

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Spearfish, South Dakota
Institution type Public
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Black Hills State University stands as a pillar of higher education in Spearfish, providing a robust academic foundation for 1,935 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Black Hills State University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Black Hills State University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing
23.4%

Enrollment Share

Education
13.2%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences
10.4%

Enrollment Share

Parks & Recreation
8.2%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences
6.1%

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts
6.1%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

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Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Black Hills State University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Parks & Recreation College

The Parks & Recreation program at Black Hills State University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Black Hills State University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Black Hills State University provides a comprehensive education...

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What is the acceptance rate at Black Hills State University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 94.4%
Difficulty Low

Black Hills State University maintains an acceptance rate of 94.4%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 33.7%
Women Enrollment 66.3%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

ACT English 16 - 22
ACT Mathematics 16 - 23
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Black Hills State University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $9,000
Out-of-State Tuition $12,100

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 18.5%
Median Student Debt $26,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $9,000, graduates see a median starting salary of $46,674, making it one of the most affordable pathways in South Dakota.

What salary can Black Hills State University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $46,674

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 38.6%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $17,001
Median Salary (6yr) $38,927
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Black Hills State University in Spearfish?

1,935 Students

Gender Comparison

33.7% Men
66.3% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

72.2%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

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

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 22
🎓
First-Generation 28.4%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 53.2%
💍
Married Students 11%
🔄
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
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Spearfish Campus Environment

Located at 1200 University St, Black Hills State University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of South Dakota. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Black Hills State University

Is Black Hills State University a good college in Spearfish, South Dakota?
Black Hills State University is a recognized institution in Spearfish with an enrollment of 1,935 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in South Dakota based on Department of Education data.
Is Black Hills State University worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Black Hills State University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $46,674. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Black Hills State University cost for South Dakota residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Black Hills State University is approximately $9,000. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $12,100. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Black Hills State University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Black Hills State University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 53.2% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Black Hills State University good for Business & Marketing and Education programs?
Black Hills State University is highly regarded for its Business & Marketing and Education programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Black Hills State University?
Graduates of Black Hills State University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $46,674, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Black Hills State University?
Black Hills State University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Black Hills State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Black Hills State University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Black Hills State University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Black Hills State University earn a median salary of $46,674 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Black Hills State University a good investment compared to other SD colleges?
Black Hills State University stands out as a high-value investment in South Dakota. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Black Hills State University located and what is the campus like?
Black Hills State University is located at 1200 University St in Spearfish, SD. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 1,935 learners.
Who typically attends Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD?
The student body at Black Hills State University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 28.4% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: South Dakota

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Black Hills State University with other leading institutions in South Dakota across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
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