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%
Two ratings: the overall grade compares colleges the conventional way (outcomes, cost, resources, experience, reputation). The Outcome Rating asks what students earn: 60% wage-adjusted earnings 10 years after enrolling, 25% graduation, 15% retention. Methodology
Quick Stats
Earnings, Debt & Completion
What happens to students who enroll at Black Hills State University, from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Typical debt at graduation equals about 56% of one year’s median earnings ten years after entry.
Earnings rank: 29th percentile among bachelor’s-degree-focused colleges after a partial adjustment for local wage levels (SD wage index 0.86). This drives the Outcome Rating.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, retrieved Oct 2026. Earnings are for federally aided students who enrolled, whether or not they graduated.
Earnings by Major at Black Hills State University
Median pay of bachelor's degree graduates by field of study, and how each program ranks against every college reporting that major — by raw pay and adjusted for state wage levels. Same school, very different paychecks.
| Major | 1 yr after | 4 yrs after | vs. national | Rank (pay) | Rank (wage-adj.) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services | — | $69,079 | -9% | #508 of 796 | #413 | — |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $45,682 | $59,626 | -13% | #808 of 1176 | #672 | $27,000 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | $34,142 | $55,622 | +2% | #231 of 610 | #153 | $23,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $47,494 | $52,883 | +3% | #124 of 345 | #77 | — |
| Sociology | — | $49,833 | -5% | #295 of 462 | #196 | — |
| Special Education and Teaching | $49,134 | $48,332 | -4% | #123 of 177 | #102 | $23,351 |
| Communication and Media Studies | — | $45,537 | -19% | #551 of 660 | #502 | — |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $47,978 | $44,958 | -5% | #495 of 680 | #410 | $23,594 |
| Community Organization and Advocacy | $39,092 | $42,781 | -18% | #22 of 24 | #22 | $27,375 |
| Psychology | $35,996 | $42,417 | -16% | #894 of 1027 | #812 | $27,000 |
| Biology | $33,518 | $40,967 | -28% | #818 of 841 | #810 | $24,764 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $31,022 | $29,733 | -42% | #295 of 299 | #288 | — |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study data. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid and were working; small programs are not reported.
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
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 |
Programs & Career Paths
Top Degree Programs
Programs ranked by number of degrees awarded annually.
Related Career Paths
Careers that graduates from Black Hills State University's top programs commonly pursue.
Student Demographics
👥 Race & Ethnicity
🏠 Living Arrangements
💻 Learning Mode
📊 Age Distribution
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Black Hills State University?
How much does it cost to attend Black Hills State University?
What is the graduation rate at Black Hills State University?
Is Black Hills State University a good school?
- 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
How many students attend Black Hills State University?
Is there rental demand near Black Hills State University?
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 →
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Data source: IPEDS 2023-24 | Last updated: October 2026 | Methodology