Avg Earnings (5yr)
$38,927
Acceptance Rate
94%
Graduation Rate
42%
Annual Tuition
$9,000
Quick answer
According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of Black Hills State University earn a median of $46,674 ten years after entry — 14% below the national median. Acceptance rate 94.4%, average SAT score 1087, in-state tuition $9,000.
At a Glance
Total Students
1,935
Retention Rate
72%
Faculty Ratio
17
Financial Aid
30%
Median Debt
$26,000
Campus Setting
Town
Institution Type
Public
Admissions: SAT & ACT Scores
Average SAT Score
1,087
SAT Reading/Writing (middle 50%)
465–565
SAT Math (middle 50%)
500–570
ACT Composite (middle 50%)
18–24
Institution Overview
Black Hills State University is a public institution with an acceptance rate of 94.4%. The university has a student population of 1,935. The retention rate is 72.2% and the graduation rate is 41.5%. The median debt for students is $26,000, and 29.6% of students receive financial aid.
The in-state tuition at Black Hills State University is $9,000. One year after graduation, students earn a median of $40,957. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $38,927, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $46,674.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
Earning Projection Over Time
$41k
1 YEAR
$39k
5 YEARS
$47k
10 YEARS
Graduate Outcomes
One year after graduation, Black Hills State University alumni earn a median salary of $40,957. Five years after graduation, the median salary decreases to $38,927. Ten years after graduation, the median salary increases to $46,674. The median debt for graduates is $26,000.
Black Hills State University has a student body of 1,935 students, with a high acceptance rate of 94.4%. The graduation rate is 41.5%, and the retention rate is 72.2%. In-state tuition costs $9,000. A total of 29.6% of students receive financial aid.
Popular Programs
Top performing degrees based on enrollment and outcome data.
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Health and Physical Education/Fitness
Community Organization and Advocacy
Biology, General
Psychology, General
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Design and Applied Arts
Curriculum and Instruction
Special Education and Teaching
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Campus Location
Spearfish, South Dakota
Spearfish, SD 57799-9500
Black Hills State University is located in Spearfish, South Dakota. The campus is in a town setting.