JC vs. Black Hills State University

Comparable Facts

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

Black Hills State University is larger than JC based on total student enrollment (3,346 students vs. 1,376 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

JC vs. Black Hills State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JC 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 JC ($15,576 vs. $20,510).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Jamestown are 17.8% lower than at Black Hills State University ($9,990 vs. $12,160).
• University of Jamestown is 185.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Black Hills State University (about $16,226 more per year; $24,990.00 vs. $8,764.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 110.6% higher at JC than at Black Hills State University (about $13,124 more per year; $24,990.00 vs. $11,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Jamestown than at Black Hills State University (100% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Jamestown students is 189.1% larger than aid received by Black Hills State University students ($17,548 vs. $6,070).

JC vs. Black Hills State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JC 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 JC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Black Hills State University (1050) is 30 points higher than at JC (1020).
• Incoming Black Hills State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at JC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Jamestown 900/1140; Black Hills State University 965/1135.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Jamestown 17/24; Black Hills State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JC - Test-free; Black Hills State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman JC students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.25) than students at Black Hills State University (3.22).
• Black Hills State University has a higher acceptance rate (96.3%) than JC (88.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.1% at JC vs. 30.1% at Black Hills State University.

JC vs. Black Hills State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JC 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).

• University of Jamestown's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Black Hills State University's (28%).
• Graduates from University of Jamestown earn a median of about $9,000 more per year than Black Hills State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Black Hills State University graduates have a $522 lower median loan debt than JC graduates ($25,478 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Black Hills State University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JC graduates ($263 vs. $268).
• More JC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Black Hills State University students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.