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Black Hills State University vs South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Black Hills State University is a public university in Spearfish, SD. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is a public university in Rapid City, SD. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology admits about 80% of applicants and Black Hills State University about 96%, making South Dakota School of Mines and Technology the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $15,911 a year at Black Hills State University after aid, and about $20,183 at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. About 56% of students graduate at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, compared with 40% at Black Hills State University. Ten years after enrolling, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology alumni earn a median of about $72,257, against $46,674 for Black Hills State University.

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Black Hills State University

Spearfish, SD · Public

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Rapid City, SD · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Spearfish, SD
Rapid City, SD
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,928
2,071
Acceptance rate
96%
80%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.44–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
965–1135
1140–1340
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
24–30
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,911
$20,183
Full cost / yr
$21,277
$25,385
In-state tuition
$8,764
$10,500
Out-of-state tuition
$11,866
$14,900
Application fee
$20
$20
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,863
$15,348
$30k - $48k
$13,379
$17,909
$48k - $75k
$15,588
$18,366
$75k - $110k
$18,072
$21,176
Over $110k
$18,604
$21,993
Outcomes
Graduation rate
40%
56%
Freshman retention
72%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,927
$62,863
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,674
$72,257
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
17%
First-generation students
28%
18%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Aug 15

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 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology harder to get into?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is harder to get into. It admits about 80% 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 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?
Black Hills State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,911 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,183 at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. 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 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?
Before aid, Black Hills State University costs about $21,277 a year and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology about $25,385. 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 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?
Black Hills State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,863 there, against about $15,348 at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. 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 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 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 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology have a better graduation rate?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has the higher graduation rate, at about 56% against 40% at Black Hills State University.
Do graduates of Black Hills State University or South Dakota School of Mines and Technology earn more?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology alumni earn more on average: a median of about $72,257 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 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology require SAT or ACT scores?
Black Hills State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Black Hills State University and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 965–1135 at Black Hills State University and 1140–1340 at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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