Black Hills State University vs Dakota State University
Black Hills State University is a public university in Spearfish, SD, and Dakota State University is a public university in Madison, SD. Dakota State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 88% of applicants against 96% at Black Hills State University. Black Hills State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,911 a year against $21,057 at Dakota State University. About 50% of students graduate at Dakota State University, compared with 40% at Black Hills State University. Ten years after enrolling, Dakota State University alumni earn a median of about $50,970, against $46,674 for Black Hills State University.
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At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Spearfish, SD
Madison, SD
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,928
2,071
Acceptance rate
96%
88%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.41–3.91
SAT (middle 50%)
965–1135
1190–1440
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
20–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,911
$21,057
Full cost / yr
$21,277
$25,753
In-state tuition
$8,764
$9,654
Out-of-state tuition
$11,866
$12,756
Application fee
$20
$20
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,863
$17,317
$30k - $48k
$13,379
$18,792
$48k - $75k
$15,588
$19,165
$75k - $110k
$18,072
$22,601
Over $110k
$18,604
$23,269
Outcomes
Graduation rate
40%
50%
Freshman retention
72%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,927
$46,146
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,674
$50,970
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$23,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
17%
First-generation students
28%
28%
International students
2%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Black Hills State University or Dakota State University harder to get into?
- Dakota State University is harder to get into. It admits about 88% of applicants, compared with 96% at Black Hills State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Black Hills State University or Dakota State University?
- Black Hills State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,911 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,057 at Dakota State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Black Hills State University and Dakota State University?
- Before aid, Black Hills State University costs about $21,277 a year and Dakota State University about $25,753. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Black Hills State University or Dakota State University?
- Black Hills State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,863 there, against about $17,317 at Dakota State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Black Hills State University or Dakota State University?
- Dakota State University is the larger of the two, with about 2,071 undergraduates against 1,928 at Black Hills State University.
- Does Black Hills State University or Dakota State University have a better graduation rate?
- Dakota State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 50% against 40% at Black Hills State University.
- Do graduates of Black Hills State University or Dakota State University earn more?
- Dakota State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $50,970 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,674 for Black Hills State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Black Hills State University and Dakota State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Black Hills State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Dakota State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Black Hills State University and Dakota State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 965–1135 at Black Hills State University and 1190–1440 at Dakota State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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