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Black Hills State University

Spearfish, South Dakota · Public · 1,928 undergrads

Black Hills State University admits 96% of applicants (fall 2024, federal IPEDS data).

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Can I get into Black Hills State University?

96% of applicants get in

Nearly everyone who applies gets in. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 965–1135 on the SAT.

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Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.

1,690 applied, 1,628 admitted, fall 2024 (IPEDS).

What does Black Hills State University cost?

$19,252 a year in-state

Out of state: about $22,444 a year

What in-state students who got federal aid paid on average after grants, 2024-25. The in-state sticker price, with housing and food, is $25,744.

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Average paid after grants by family income
under $30,000$16,385
$30,000–$48,000$15,530
$48,000–$75,000$17,710
$75,000–$110,000$21,151
over $110,000$23,029

Out-of-state tuition is $12,206 a year, against $9,014 in state. The out-of-state figure adds that $3,192 to the in-state average. Out-of-state students usually get less aid, so many pay more.

Own a business or have divorced parents? Run Black Hills State University's own calculator.

Net price 2024-25, College Scorecard.

Does Black Hills State University need the SAT or ACT?Not checked yet

Not sure yet

We haven't checked Black Hills State University's fall 2027 rule yet. Black Hills State University didn't require scores for fall 2024 (federal data). We haven't checked fall 2027 yet, so confirm on its site.

Which colleges require scores

IPEDS, fall 2024. Black Hills State University's site

What it's like

1,928
undergrads. Small, so classes are small and you'll know a lot of faces.
Town
Campus setting in Spearfish, SD.
72%
of first-years come back for year two.
23%
finish in four years. 39% within six.
$49.3k
median pay 10 years after starting.
$19.8k
median federal debt at graduation.

Lists Black Hills State University is on

Questions people ask

What is Black Hills State University's acceptance rate?
96% for fall 2024: 1,628 of 1,690 applicants were admitted (IPEDS).
What SAT score do you need for Black Hills State University?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 965 to 1135 (IPEDS, fall 2024). A quarter scored higher and a quarter lower, so a score in that range is typical, not a cutoff.
How much does Black Hills State University cost for a family earning $60,000?
In-state families earning $48,000–$75,000 paid an average of $17,710 a year after grants in 2024-25 (students who got federal aid). The sticker price is $25,744.
How much does Black Hills State University cost for out-of-state students?
Out-of-state tuition at Black Hills State University is $12,206 a year, against $9,014 for in-state students in 2025-26. In-state students who got federal aid paid $19,252 on average after grants in 2024-25. Adding the $3,192 tuition gap gives about $22,444 a year from out of state. Out-of-state students usually get less aid, so many pay more.
What is Black Hills State University's graduation rate?
39% of students finish within six years and 23% within four (IPEDS).