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Black Hills State University vs National American University-Rapid City

Black Hills State University is a public university in Spearfish, SD, and National American University-Rapid City is a private for-profit university in Rapid City, SD. Black Hills State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 96% of applicants against 100% at National American University-Rapid City. Black Hills State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,911 a year against $31,062 at National American University-Rapid City. About 40% of students graduate at Black Hills State University, compared with 20% at National American University-Rapid City. Ten years after enrolling, Black Hills State University alumni earn a median of about $46,674, against $37,325 for National American University-Rapid City.

Black Hills State University

Spearfish, SD · Public

National American University-Rapid City

Rapid City, SD · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Public
Private (for-profit)
Location
Spearfish, SD
Rapid City, SD
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,928
764
Acceptance rate
96%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
965–1135
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,911
$31,062
Full cost / yr
$21,277
$34,452
In-state tuition
$8,764
$16,065
Out-of-state tuition
$11,866
$16,065
Application fee
$20
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,863
$31,062
$30k - $48k
$13,379
Not reported
$48k - $75k
$15,588
Not reported
$75k - $110k
$18,072
Not reported
Over $110k
$18,604
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
40%
20%
Freshman retention
72%
33%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,927
$29,641
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,674
$37,325
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$29,020
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
57%
First-generation students
28%
54%
International students
2%
3%
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Black Hills State University or National American University-Rapid City harder to get into?
Black Hills State University is harder to get into. It admits about 96% of applicants, compared with 100% at National American University-Rapid City. 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 National American University-Rapid City?
Black Hills State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,911 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $31,062 at National American University-Rapid City. 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 National American University-Rapid City?
Before aid, Black Hills State University costs about $21,277 a year and National American University-Rapid City about $34,452. 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 National American University-Rapid City?
Black Hills State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,863 there, against about $31,062 at National American University-Rapid City. 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 National American University-Rapid City?
Black Hills State University is the larger of the two, with about 1,928 undergraduates against 764 at National American University-Rapid City.
Does Black Hills State University or National American University-Rapid City have a better graduation rate?
Black Hills State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 40% against 20% at National American University-Rapid City.
Do graduates of Black Hills State University or National American University-Rapid City earn more?
Black Hills State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $46,674 ten years after enrolling, against about $37,325 for National American University-Rapid City. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Black Hills State University and National American University-Rapid City require SAT or ACT scores?
Black Hills State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. National American University-Rapid City is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

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