Black Hills State University
BHSU
Spearfish, South Dakota 57799-9500
Data last updated: May 29, 2026
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
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
70.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
0.4%/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%
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.
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
Estimated from SD state average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
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