At $17,001/yr net price, Black Hills State University graduates earn $46,674/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,674/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,001 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $68,004 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,674/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,674/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,475/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,564/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,864/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,145/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,987/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
38.6% of students at Black Hills State University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Black Hills State University gives you a mixed financial return that leans toward modest. You pay a moderate net price and leave with median debt near the national norm, but median earnings ten years out sit under $47,000. That gap between cost and payoff isn't disastrous, but it doesn't leave much room to get ahead quickly.
The program picture is narrow. The top-earning majors here are all education and teaching degrees, which top out around $41,700 for special education. That reflects the regional job market in South Dakota, where teaching is a steady but low-ceiling career. Business Administration graduates earn less than the education programs yet carry the highest debt on the list at $27,000, which is a weaker trade. Community Organization and Advocacy pairs the lowest earnings with the highest debt, so treat that path with caution.
The real risk at this school is completion. Only about 38% of students finish, and roughly a quarter don't return after their first year. If you borrow the median $26,000 and leave without a degree, you carry the debt without the earnings that justify it. That dropout risk is the biggest threat to your ROI here.
This school fits you if you're heading into teaching and plan to work in the region, where the modest salaries still cover the modest debt. Look elsewhere if you want high earning potential or a degree that scales beyond education and local public-sector work.
On price, families earning under $30,000 pay around $12,475 a year, and the cost rises steadily with income to just under $20,000 for families over $110,000. The jump happens above $48,000 in income, where your net price climbs by several thousand dollars. Lower-income families get the clearest value here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black Hills State University worth the money?
Black Hills State University offers below-average returns with graduates earning $46,674 ten years after enrollment, which barely justifies the $17,001 annual net cost. The 38% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degrees, making it a risky investment for many.
What are the best paying majors at Black Hills State University?
Special education teaching leads at $41,725 annually, followed by other education programs around $40,000. Business administration graduates earn about $36,914, which is relatively low compared to business programs at other schools.
How much student debt do Black Hills State University graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $26,000 in debt, which is manageable given the low cost of attendance. However, the low graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without earning a degree.
Should I attend Black Hills State University if I want to be a teacher?
Black Hills State University is primarily focused on education programs, with teacher salaries around $40,000-41,000 for graduates. This aligns with typical teaching wages in South Dakota, making it a reasonable choice if you're committed to staying in the region.