Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 41.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.6%
- Retention Rate
- 72.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $46,674
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.1%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $41,725 | $23,351 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $40,768 | $23,594 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $40,768 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $38,289 | $27,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,914 | $27,000 |
| Community Organization and Advocacy. | Bachelor | $33,138 | $27,375 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $31,038 | |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $28,881 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $27,669 | $23,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $27,295 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $25,967 | $24,764 |
| History. | Bachelor | $22,824 |
Outcomes Overview
Black Hills State graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $26,000 and earn $46,674 within ten years. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 falls below the concerning 1.0 threshold that financial experts warn against. Monthly loan payments of $276 consume about 7% of typical graduate income, which remains manageable for most borrowers. The university's strong ties to regional education, business, and natural resources sectors help explain the 95.3% employment rate. Many graduates find work in the Black Hills tourism industry, local school districts, or South Dakota's growing healthcare sector. The loan repayment rate of 62% suggests some graduates struggle initially, but the relatively low debt burden creates a solid foundation for financial stability.
Verdict: Average return on investment.
Verdict: Average return on investment.