Black Hills State University vs. South Dakota State University

Comparable Facts

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

South Dakota State University is larger than Black Hills State University based on total student enrollment (12,056 students vs. 3,346 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Black Hills State University is located in Spearfish, SD (Remote Town setting); South Dakota State University is in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Black Hills State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Black Hills State University 17:1; South Dakota State University 17:1.

Black Hills State University vs. South Dakota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Black Hills State University or South Dakota 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 South Dakota State University ($15,576 vs. $19,932).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Dakota State University are 16.3% lower than at Black Hills State University ($10,176 vs. $12,160).
• South Dakota State University is 6.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Black Hills State University (about $535 more per year; $9,299.00 vs. $8,764.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.9% higher at South Dakota State University than at Black Hills State University (about $943 more per year; $12,809.00 vs. $11,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at South Dakota State University than at Black Hills State University (94% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Black Hills State University students is 35.7% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($6,070 vs. $4,474).

Black Hills State University vs. South Dakota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Black Hills State University or South Dakota 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 South Dakota State University and Black Hills State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at South Dakota State University (1150) is 100 points higher than at Black Hills State University (1050).
• Incoming South Dakota State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Black Hills State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Black Hills State University 965/1135; South Dakota State University 1060/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Black Hills State University 18/24; South Dakota State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Black Hills State University - Test optional; South Dakota State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman South Dakota State University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Black Hills State University (3.22).
• South Dakota State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.3%) than Black Hills State University (96.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.1% at Black Hills State University vs. 34.1% at South Dakota State University.

Black Hills State University vs. South Dakota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Black Hills State University and South Dakota 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).

• South Dakota State University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Black Hills State University's (28%).
• Graduates from South Dakota State University earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than Black Hills State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, South Dakota State University graduates have a $362 lower median loan debt than Black Hills State University graduates ($25,116 vs. $25,478).
• Among borrowers, South Dakota State University graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Black Hills State University graduates ($259 vs. $263).
• More South Dakota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Black Hills State University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.