Black Hills State University
PublicSpearfish, SD
Black Hills State University is a public small school in Spearfish, SD, enrolling about 1,928 undergraduates. Black Hills State University is not highly selective, admitting a majority of applicants, with an acceptance rate near 96%. Among reported majors, Accounting and Related Services shows the strongest outcomes -- $69,079/year in median earnings four years after graduation. On-campus housing isn't required, so many students live off campus.
Admissions
Cost & outcomes
Out-of-state students pay $3,102 more per year in tuition and fees (1.4x the in-state rate).
From the US Dept of Education College Scorecard, most recent year reported. Not every school reports every field. Tuition & fees are the sticker price for a full-time first-year undergrad, before financial aid, and don't include room and board.
Paying less as an out-of-state student
Black Hills State University takes part in this regional program, which can cut the out-of-state rate for students from nearby states.
Western Undergraduate Exchange
Students from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and the Pacific territories pay no more than 150% of in-state tuition. Each school sets its own requirements, often a GPA minimum, and some majors are left out.
Where do you stand against Black Hills State University's numbers?
Check your chances hereSee full profile -- financial aid, campus life, and what Black Hills State University weighs in your application
Paying it back
"Still growing" means a borrower's payments aren't yet covering interest 3 years into repayment -- not a default rate. A high number here can mean real repayment difficulty, or just a lot of grads who deferred for graduate school, so read it alongside the school's typical outcomes above.
Majors & earnings
Median earnings 4 years after graduation, by major, from the US Dept of Education. Only shown where the school reports a real figure for that major -- most schools don't report every major they offer, especially smaller programs.
Campus life
Room and board are shown separately from the cost of attendance above -- that total already includes them alongside tuition and fees, this just breaks out the living-cost portion.
What matters in your application
From this school's own reporting to the US Dept of Education on what it formally requires, considers, or doesn't use when reviewing applications.
Frequently asked questions
What is Black Hills State University's acceptance rate?
Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD admits approximately 96% of applicants, based on the US Dept of Education's most recently reported figures.
What SAT score do I need for Black Hills State University?
Admitted students at Black Hills State University typically score between 965–1135 on the SAT (25th–75th percentile).
What ACT score do I need for Black Hills State University?
Admitted students at Black Hills State University typically score between 18–24 on the ACT (25th–75th percentile).
How much does Black Hills State University cost?
Black Hills State University's total cost of attendance is reported at $21,277 per year, including tuition, fees, and room and board.
Does Black Hills State University offer reduced tuition for out-of-state students?
Yes -- Black Hills State University takes part in the Western Undergraduate Exchange, a regional program that lets qualifying out-of-state students pay less than the full out-of-state rate. Eligibility depends on your home state, and the school sets its own requirements.
What is out-of-state tuition at Black Hills State University?
For 2024-25, Black Hills State University's published tuition and required fees were $11,866 for out-of-state students and $8,764 for in-state students -- $3,102 more per year for out-of-state students. That's before financial aid, and room and board are extra.
Does Black Hills State University require students to live on campus?
No -- Black Hills State University doesn't require students to live in on-campus housing.
Related reading
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University of Sioux Falls
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South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
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