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Black Hills State University vs Mount Marty University

Black Hills State University is a public university in Spearfish, SD, and Mount Marty University is a private university in Yankton, SD. Mount Marty University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 43% 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 $22,227 at Mount Marty University. About 56% of students graduate at Mount Marty University, compared with 40% at Black Hills State University. Ten years after enrolling, Mount Marty University alumni earn a median of about $48,179, against $46,674 for Black Hills State University.

Black Hills State University

Spearfish, SD · Public

Mount Marty University

Yankton, SD · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Spearfish, SD
Yankton, SD
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,928
697
Acceptance rate
96%
43%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.24–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
965–1135
810–1050
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
18–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,911
$22,227
Full cost / yr
$21,277
$48,247
In-state tuition
$8,764
$34,600
Out-of-state tuition
$11,866
$34,600
Application fee
$20
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,863
$19,564
$30k - $48k
$13,379
$18,492
$48k - $75k
$15,588
$23,669
$75k - $110k
$18,072
$22,331
Over $110k
$18,604
$23,601
Outcomes
Graduation rate
40%
56%
Freshman retention
72%
68%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,927
$46,984
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,674
$48,179
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$26,396
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
22%
First-generation students
28%
32%
International students
2%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Jul 29

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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Black Hills State University or Mount Marty University harder to get into?
Mount Marty University is harder to get into. It admits about 43% 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 Mount Marty University?
Black Hills State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,911 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,227 at Mount Marty 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 Mount Marty University?
Before aid, Black Hills State University costs about $21,277 a year and Mount Marty University about $48,247. 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 Mount Marty University?
Black Hills State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,863 there, against about $19,564 at Mount Marty 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 Mount Marty University?
Black Hills State University is the larger of the two, with about 1,928 undergraduates against 697 at Mount Marty University.
Does Black Hills State University or Mount Marty University have a better graduation rate?
Mount Marty University has the higher graduation rate, at about 56% against 40% at Black Hills State University.
Do graduates of Black Hills State University or Mount Marty University earn more?
Mount Marty University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $48,179 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 Mount Marty University require SAT or ACT scores?
Black Hills State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Mount Marty University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Black Hills State University and Mount Marty University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 965–1135 at Black Hills State University and 810–1050 at Mount Marty University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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