Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Public4-year

Black Hills State University

Spearfish, South Dakota Β· Town: DistantOfficial Website β†—

#2723
Nationally
#15
In South Dakota
94%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$7,616
In-State Tuition
per year
40%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
3,279
Undergrad Enrollment
1,000–4,999
Overall Score & Rankings
49/100
Average
#2723 nationally
#15 in South Dakota
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes40
πŸ’°Affordability50
🎯Selectivity40
πŸ“šAcademic Environment63
πŸ”¬Program Breadth66

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

Black Hills State University is a public four-year university located in Spearfish, South Dakota. With 3,279 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 94%, the institution is considered accessible. In-state tuition is $7,616 per year ($10,718 out-of-state), below average for public institutions. The six-year graduation rate is 40%, which is average compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate94%↓ Below avg
National avg: 70%
1,617
Applied
1,527
Admitted
489
Enrolled
ACT Score Range (Middle 50%)18 – 23
Cost & Financial Aid
In-State Tuition$7,616/yr
In-State Fees$1,300/yr
Out-of-State Tuition$10,718/yr
Room & Board$8,600/yr
Total CoA (In-State)$17,516/yr
Total CoA (Out-of-State)$20,618/yr
In-State Tuition vs National Avg$7,616↑ Above avg
National avg: $10,662
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate40%↓ Below avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
3,279
Total Undergrads
63% F / 37% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 79%
Hispanic 4%
Black 2%
Asian 1%
Two or more 2%
International 2%
Native / Other 3%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Tuition ($7,616/yr) is well below the national average for public colleges
  • βœ“Open admissions policy (94% acceptance rate) β€” accessible to a wide range of students
  • βœ“Publicly funded institution β€” tuition subsidized by state taxes for in-state residents
Consider
  • Β·Graduation rate of 40% is below the national average β€” research completion support services
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for students seeking an accessible path to a college degree, and in-state students who want a quality education at a subsidized cost.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPublic
LocationSpearfish, South Dakota
SettingTown: Distant
Size1,000–4,999
State Ranking
#15
in South Dakota out of 7+ colleges
#2723
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.