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Black Hills State University vs South Dakota State University

Black Hills State University is a public university in Spearfish, SD, and South Dakota State University is a public university in Brookings, SD. Black Hills State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 96% of applicants against 98% at South Dakota State University. Black Hills State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,911 a year against $19,841 at South Dakota State University. About 61% of students graduate at South Dakota State University, compared with 40% at Black Hills State University. Ten years after enrolling, South Dakota State University alumni earn a median of about $55,070, against $46,674 for Black Hills State University.

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Black Hills State University

Spearfish, SD · Public

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Spearfish, SD
Brookings, SD
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,928
9,198
Acceptance rate
96%
98%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
965–1135
1060–1240
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,911
$19,841
Full cost / yr
$21,277
$24,636
In-state tuition
$8,764
$9,299
Out-of-state tuition
$11,866
$12,809
Application fee
$20
$20
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,863
$14,266
$30k - $48k
$13,379
$15,248
$48k - $75k
$15,588
$18,073
$75k - $110k
$18,072
$20,706
Over $110k
$18,604
$21,886
Outcomes
Graduation rate
40%
61%
Freshman retention
72%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,927
$49,564
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,674
$55,070
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
17%
First-generation students
28%
20%
International students
2%
4%
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 South Dakota State University harder to get into?
Black Hills State University is harder to get into. It admits about 96% of applicants, compared with 98% at South Dakota 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 State University?
Black Hills State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,911 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,841 at South 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 South Dakota State University?
Before aid, Black Hills State University costs about $21,277 a year and South Dakota State University about $24,636. 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 State University?
Black Hills State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,863 there, against about $14,266 at South 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 South Dakota State University?
South Dakota State University is the larger of the two, with about 9,198 undergraduates against 1,928 at Black Hills State University.
Does Black Hills State University or South Dakota State University have a better graduation rate?
South Dakota State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 61% against 40% at Black Hills State University.
Do graduates of Black Hills State University or South Dakota State University earn more?
South Dakota State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,070 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 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. South 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 South Dakota State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 965–1135 at Black Hills State University and 1060–1240 at South Dakota 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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