About Black Hills State University
Money matters tell a mixed story at Black Hills State. Students pay an average net price of $17,001 after aid, which is reasonable for a four-year degree. Graduates earn a median of $46,674 ten years after graduation, but carry $26,000 in debt with monthly payments of $276. The 38.6% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish, which impacts the return on investment.
Women make up 66% of the student body, and the campus feels distinctly regional with 61% of students from South Dakota. About 337 students participate in varsity athletics, earning over $1.5 million in athletic scholarships. The 72% retention rate indicates most students who start here want to stay, drawn to the mountain setting and close campus community.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 62.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 41.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.6%
- Retention Rate
- 72.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,674
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $41,725 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $40,768 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $40,768 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $38,289 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,914 |
| Community Organization and Advocacy. | Bachelor | $33,138 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $31,038 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $28,881 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $27,669 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $27,295 |
Campus Life
Winters here are serious business - pack heavy coats for temperatures that regularly drop below freezing and occasional blizzards that can shut down the region. The 66.30% female student body creates a gender-imbalanced social scene. With 337 total athletes competing in 12 varsity sports, Yellow Jackets games draw decent crowds for a Division II school. Weekend options center around outdoor recreation in the Black Hills - hiking, fishing, and camping are campus staples. Students often make the drive to Deadwood for nightlife or Rapid City for shopping and dining. The rural setting means campus events and intramural sports fill much of the social calendar.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 836 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1883
Campus Safety (2023)
10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–40°F
- July Avg
- 62°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 21.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 33.7%
- Women
- 66.3%
- White
- 80.0%
- Black
- 1.7%
- Hispanic
- 4.3%
- Asian
- 0.6%
- In-State Students
- 61.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 18.5%
Location
- Address
- Spearfish, South Dakota 57799-9500
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,674
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,420
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Black Hills State University?
Black Hills State University accepts 96.64% of applicants, making admission highly accessible for most students. The average SAT score is 1028, reflecting the university's commitment to serving a broad range of academic backgrounds in the Black Hills region.
How much does Black Hills State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $17,001, though students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,475 after aid. Out-of-state tuition runs $12,100 compared to $9,000 for South Dakota residents, making it one of the more affordable options for regional students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Black Hills State University?
With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio among its 1,935 students, Black Hills State maintains relatively small class sizes for a public university. The school has built a reputation for personalized attention and strong connections between faculty and students in its close-knit campus community.
What are the graduation rates at Black Hills State University?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 38.60%, while graduates earn a median salary of $46,674 ten years after graduation. The university has historically served many first-generation college students and working adults who may take longer to complete their degrees.
Where is Black Hills State University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Spearfish, South Dakota, a town surrounded by the scenic Black Hills region. With housing for 836 students and 66.30% of the student body being women, the university creates a tight-knit community atmosphere in one of the state's most picturesque settings.
Does Black Hills State University have strong athletic programs?
The Yellow Jackets compete in NCAA Division II with 12 varsity sports and 337 total athletes. The university awards $1,527,199 in athletic scholarships annually, reflecting its commitment to competitive athletics within the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
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