ASU vs. Black Hills State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ with Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Arizona State University is larger than Black Hills State University based on total student enrollment (79,818 students vs. 3,346 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arizona State University is located in Tempe, AZ (Midsize City setting); Black Hills State University is in Spearfish, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Arizona State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Black Hills State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Arizona State University 18:1; Black Hills State University 17:1.

ASU vs. Black Hills State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ASU or Black Hills State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Black Hills State University than ASU ($15,576 vs. $17,779).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Black Hills State University are 27.2% lower than at Arizona State University ($12,160 vs. $16,712).
• Arizona State University is 39.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Black Hills State University (about $3,459 more per year; $12,223.00 vs. $8,764.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 179.3% higher at ASU than at Black Hills State University (about $21,273 more per year; $33,139.00 vs. $11,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Arizona State University than at Black Hills State University (89% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Arizona State University students is 100.5% larger than aid received by Black Hills State University students ($12,172 vs. $6,070).

ASU vs. Black Hills State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ASU or Black Hills State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Black Hills State University and ASU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Arizona State University (1210) is 160 points higher than at Black Hills State University (1050).
• Incoming ASU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Black Hills State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arizona State University 1100/1320; Black Hills State University 965/1135.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arizona State University 21/28; Black Hills State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ASU - Test optional; Black Hills State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman ASU students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Black Hills State University (3.22).
• Black Hills State University has a higher acceptance rate (96.3%) than ASU (89.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.1% at ASU vs. 30.1% at Black Hills State University.

ASU vs. Black Hills State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ASU and Black Hills State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Arizona State University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Black Hills State University's (28%).
• Graduates from Arizona State University earn a median of about $13,800 more per year than Black Hills State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,600 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Arizona State University graduates have a $5,200 lower median loan debt than Black Hills State University graduates ($20,278 vs. $25,478).
• Among borrowers, ASU graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Black Hills State University graduates ($209 vs. $263).
• More Black Hills State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ASU students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 57%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.