C
Average
Score: 51/100

Black Hills State University

4-Year Public
📍 Spearfish, South Dakota 57799
ℹ️
Rating Context: ⚠️ Limited Data Available. Some metrics for this institution are incomplete or unavailable, which may affect the overall grade. Consider researching this school directly for the most current information.

Suggested Focus: For this type of institution, we recommend prioritizing the Outcomes Score (C+) which measures graduation and job placement rates — the most relevant metrics for career programs.
Graduation Rate: 39%
Outcomes
C+
61/100
Affordability
C
53/100
Resources
C
47/100
Experience
B
71/100
Prestige
F
23/100

Quick Stats

3,475
Total Enrollment
39%
Graduation Rate
72%
Retention Rate
17.0:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
94%
Acceptance Rate
$16,474
Avg Net Price
🏠 Housing Market Near Black Hills State University

5% of students live off-campus (not with family), creating consistent rental demand near campus. That's approximately 163 students who need housing.

Avg Home Value
$0
For parents & investors

The Black Hills State University Town Property Report

  • Top nearby ZIP by cap rate: 57783 (2.3% cap, Spearfish)

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Costs & Financial Aid

Tuition & Fees

Category In-State Out-of-State
Tuition $7,616 $10,718
Room $3,926
Board $3,630
Total Cost (On-Campus) $22,100 $25,200

Financial Aid

90%
Receive Any Aid
32%
Receive Pell Grants
55%
Take Out Loans
$16,474
Avg Net Price

Net Price by Family Income

Family Income Average Net Price
$0 - $30,000$12,475
$30,001 - $48,000$13,564
$48,001 - $75,000$17,864
$75,001 - $110,000$19,145
$110,001+$19,987

Student Demographics

3,475
Total Students
64%
Women
47%
Traditional Age (18-24)
5%
Off-Campus Renters

👥 Race & Ethnicity

White 78%
Hispanic 4%
Black 2%
Asian 1%
Two or More 2%
Non-Resident 2%

🏠 Living Arrangements

On Campus 85%
Off-Campus (Renters) 5%
With Family 10%
🏘️ Rental Demand: ~163 students need off-campus housing

💻 Learning Mode

In-Person 33%
Hybrid (Some Online) 28%
Fully Online 39%

📊 Age Distribution

18-24 (Traditional) 47%
25-64 (Adult) 11%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Black Hills State University?
Black Hills State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. This indicates a less selective admissions process with good chances for qualified applicants.
How much does it cost to attend Black Hills State University?
Tuition at Black Hills State University is $7,616 for in-state students and $10,718 for out-of-state students . However, the average net price after financial aid is $16,474.
What is the graduation rate at Black Hills State University?
The graduation rate at Black Hills State University is 39%. This graduation rate is low, which may reflect the institution's student population, program types, or other factors worth investigating.
Is Black Hills State University a good school?
Black Hills State University has a Repit College Score of 51/100 (Grade: C). Our rating evaluates five key factors:
  • Outcomes (C+): Graduation and retention rates
  • Affordability (C): Net cost and financial aid access
  • Resources (C): Class sizes and selectivity
  • Experience (B): Campus life and learning format
  • Prestige (F): Reputation and recognition
Note: As a smaller institution, we recommend focusing on the Outcomes score when evaluating this school.
How many students attend Black Hills State University?
Black Hills State University has a total enrollment of 3,475 students.
Is there rental demand near Black Hills State University?
Yes! Approximately 5% of students at Black Hills State University live off-campus (not with family). That's roughly 163 students who need rental housing near campus.

Deciding between a dorm and buying near campus? Run the numbers for Black Hills State University — four years of dorm costs vs. owning, including what you’d recover at resale. Buy vs Dorm calculator →

🎓 Similar Colleges to Black Hills State University

Compare with other 4-Year public institutions of similar size.

C
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University of South Dakota
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South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
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University of Sioux Falls
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Data source: IPEDS 2023-24 | Last updated: September 2026 | Methodology