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Black Hills State University vs Northern State University

Black Hills State University is a public university in Spearfish, SD. Northern State University is a public university in Aberdeen, SD. Northern State University admits about 93% of applicants and Black Hills State University about 96%, making Northern State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $15,812 a year at Northern State University after aid, and about $15,911 at Black Hills State University. About 51% of students graduate at Northern State University, compared with 40% at Black Hills State University. Ten years after enrolling, Northern State University alumni earn a median of about $47,618, against $46,674 for Black Hills State University.

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Black Hills State University

Spearfish, SD · Public

Northern State University

Aberdeen, SD · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Spearfish, SD
Aberdeen, SD
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,928
1,273
Acceptance rate
96%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.16–3.66
SAT (middle 50%)
965–1135
980–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,911
$15,812
Full cost / yr
$21,277
$22,077
In-state tuition
$8,764
$8,845
Out-of-state tuition
$11,866
$11,947
Application fee
$20
$20
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,863
$10,762
$30k - $48k
$13,379
$12,087
$48k - $75k
$15,588
$15,293
$75k - $110k
$18,072
$18,372
Over $110k
$18,604
$17,933
Outcomes
Graduation rate
40%
51%
Freshman retention
72%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,927
$41,536
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,674
$47,618
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$22,320
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
12%
First-generation students
28%
31%
International students
2%
2%
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 Northern State University harder to get into?
Northern State University is harder to get into. It admits about 93% 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 Northern State University?
Northern State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,812 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $15,911 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.
What is the full cost of attendance at Black Hills State University and Northern State University?
Before aid, Black Hills State University costs about $21,277 a year and Northern State University about $22,077. 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 Northern State University?
Northern State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,762 there, against about $11,863 at Black Hills 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 Northern State University?
Black Hills State University is the larger of the two, with about 1,928 undergraduates against 1,273 at Northern State University.
Does Black Hills State University or Northern State University have a better graduation rate?
Northern State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 51% against 40% at Black Hills State University.
Do graduates of Black Hills State University or Northern State University earn more?
Northern State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $47,618 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 Northern 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. Northern 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 Northern State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 965–1135 at Black Hills State University and 980–1160 at Northern State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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