BSC vs. Black Hills State University

Comparable Facts

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

Bismarck State College is larger than Black Hills State University based on total student enrollment (4,206 students vs. 3,346 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bismarck State College is located in Bismarck, ND (Small City setting); Black Hills State University is in Spearfish, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Bismarck State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Black Hills State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bismarck State College 13:1; Black Hills State University 17:1.

BSC vs. Black Hills State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BSC 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 Bismarck State College than Black Hills State University ($10,462 vs. $15,576).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bismarck State College are 32% lower than at Black Hills State University ($8,273 vs. $12,160).
• Black Hills State University is 67% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSC (about $3,517 more per year; $8,764.00 vs. $5,247.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 61.9% higher at Black Hills State University than at Bismarck State College (about $4,535 more per year; $11,866.00 vs. $7,331.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Black Hills State University than at Bismarck State College (76% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Black Hills State University students is 20.2% larger than aid received by Bismarck State College students ($6,070 vs. $5,049).

BSC vs. Black Hills State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BSC 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 BSC.

• Bismarck State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBlack Hills State University 965/1135.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBlack Hills State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BSC - Open admission; Black Hills State University - Test optional.

BSC vs. Black Hills State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BSC 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).

• Graduates from Bismarck State College earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than Black Hills State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bismarck State College graduates have a $14,437 lower median loan debt than Black Hills State University graduates ($11,041 vs. $25,478).
• Among borrowers, BSC graduates have an estimated $149 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Black Hills State University graduates ($114 vs. $263).
• More BSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Black Hills State University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 62%)

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.