Campus Vibe
Known for business — excellent value
Black Hills State University is a public institution in Spearfish with particular strength in business and biology. With an average SAT of 1050, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A small campus of 1.9K undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
39% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $46,674 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $17,001.
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Black Hills State University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
70.4%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$15,000
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
14
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (70)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
72%
- •72% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Yellow Jackets
History & Fun Facts
- •History The predecessor to Black Hills State University operated from 1881 to 1883 and was called Dakota College or Dakota Academy.
- •In 1883, in support for a new normal school, John Mauer put up a plot of land west of Spearfish Creek for sale for $800.
- •Established by the Dakota Territorial Legislature, the new school was called Dakota Territorial Normal School, and a temporary building was constructed in late 1883.
- •Van Buren Baker became the first administrator and teacher at the school on April 14, 1884; he left Spearfish in December after leaving the school nearly bankrupt.
- •The school reopened in September 1885 under the leadership of Fayette Cook; 70 students were enrolled at that time.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
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