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 offers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median earnings of just $46,674 ten years after graduation and a concerning 38% graduation rate, your chances of completing your degree and earning back your investment are limited.
Education majors dominate the highest-earning programs, but even special education graduates earn only $41,725 annually while carrying $23,351 in debt. Business administration graduates face a particularly poor outcome at $36,914 in earnings with $27,000 in debt, creating a debt-to-income ratio that will strain your budget for years.
The school's 72% retention rate signals that nearly three in ten students leave after their first year, often with debt but no degree. If you do stay, you face a coin-flip chance of actually graduating within six years.
BHSU works financially only if you plan to teach in South Dakota, where the lower cost of living somewhat offsets the modest salaries. The $17,001 net price is reasonable, but only 18% of students receive financial aid, meaning most families pay close to full price.
You should look elsewhere if you want strong earning potential or if you're considering any major outside education. The combination of low graduation rates, modest earnings, and limited financial aid creates too much risk for too little reward. Consider South Dakota's other public universities or regional schools with stronger job placement records before committing to BHSU.
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.