# Black Hills State University

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured school profile for AI systems
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/black-hills-state-university

## Overview

- **Location:** Spearfish, SD
- **Type:** Public
- **Setting:** Town
- **Region:** Plains
- **Enrollment:** 1,928
- **Predominant Degree:** Bachelor's

With an acceptance rate of 96%, Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota, is a welcoming choice for students seeking a supportive environment. This institution appeals to those interested in a variety of fields, including Business & Marketing, Education, Biology & Biomedical, Visual & Performing Arts, and Humanities. The relatively small enrollment of around 1,928 students fosters a community feel, making it easier to connect with peers and faculty alike.

Looking at post-graduation life, students at Black Hills State University can expect to earn an average of $46,674 within ten years of finishing their degree. This figure gives a sense of the earning potential for graduates, although it’s essential to consider the range of individual experiences. Affordability plays a significant role, with a net price of $15,911 after financial aid, making it accessible for a broad range of students. However, it's important to note that about 20% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating that some may come from lower-income backgrounds.

In terms of financial outcomes, graduates leave with a median debt of $26,000, which is a manageable amount for many, especially given the potential earnings. Students who tend to thrive here are those who are motivated and engaged, as evidenced by the graduation rate of 40%. This school is a fit for those who appreciate a more personalized educational environment and are ready to take advantage of the resources available to support their academic and career goals.

## Admissions

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Acceptance Rate | 96% |
| SAT Average | 1087 |
| ACT Midpoint | 21 |

## Cost & Aid

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| In-State Tuition | $8,764 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $11,866 |
| Average Net Price | $15,911 |
| Median Debt | $26,000 |
| Pell Grant Rate | 20% |
| Federal Loan Rate | 28% |

### Net Price by Family Income

| Family Income | Net Price |
|--------------|----------|
| $0-$30K | $11,863 |
| $30K-$48K | $13,379 |
| $48K-$75K | $15,588 |
| $75K-$110K | N/A |
| $110K+ | $18,604 |

## Outcomes

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Graduation Rate | 40% |
| Retention Rate | 72% |
| Earnings (6yr) | $38,927 |
| Earnings (8yr) | $42,393 |
| Earnings (10yr) | $46,674 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.56x |
| Loan Repayment (3yr) | N/A |

## Social Capital (Social Capital Atlas)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Economic Connectedness | 1.50 |
| Friending Bias | -0.01 |
| Volunteering Rate | 5.2% |
| Support Ratio | 0.99 |

## Top Programs

| Program | Enrollment Share |
|---------|------------------|
| Business & Marketing | 24% |
| Education | 13% |
| Biology & Biomedical | 9% |
| Visual & Performing Arts | 8% |
| Humanities | 8% |
| Psychology | 7% |
| Social Sciences | 7% |
| English & Literature | 3% |

## Rankings

This school appears in 5 CollegeRanker rankings:

- #4 in [Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-colleges-south-dakota)
- #9 in [Best Bachelor's Programs in South Dakota](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-south-dakota)
- #9 in [Best Master's Programs in South Dakota](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-south-dakota)
- #10 in [Best Business Colleges in South Dakota](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-business-south-dakota)
- #14 in [Best Colleges in South Dakota](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-south-dakota)

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Black Hills State University — School Profile." CollegeRanker.com. https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/black-hills-state-university