# Black Hills State University

Spearfish, SD. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/black-hills-state-university

Black Hills State University is a public college in Spearfish, SD with 1,928 undergraduates. It admits 96% of applicants, and admitted students average 1087 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $19,252 per year ($16,385 for families earning under $30,000). 42% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $49,283 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 96% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 1,617 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 1,527 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 465–565 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 500–570 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 18–24 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $25,744 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $19,252 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $16,385 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $15,530 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $17,710 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $21,151 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $23,029 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 1,928 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 42% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $49,283 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $19,822 (FY2024) |

## What Black Hills State University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Required
- Class rank: Required
- Essay or personal statement: Not considered
- Recommendations: Not considered
- Demonstrated competencies: Not considered
- Legacy status: Not considered
- Work experience: Not considered
- English proficiency test: Not considered

## FAQ

**What is Black Hills State University's acceptance rate?**

Black Hills State University admits 96% of applicants, which makes it open.

**What SAT score do you need for Black Hills State University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 465–565 on SAT Reading and Writing and 500–570 on SAT Math; the average total is 1087.

**What ACT score do you need for Black Hills State University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 18–24.

**Is Black Hills State University test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to Black Hills State University?**

In Fall 2023, 1,617 students applied to Black Hills State University and 1,527 were admitted; 489 enrolled.

**Does Black Hills State University consider legacy status?**

No. Black Hills State University reported that legacy status is not considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Black Hills State University require an essay?**

Black Hills State University reported that an essay or personal statement is not considered for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Black Hills State University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $25,744 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $19,252.

**What is Black Hills State University's graduation rate?**

42% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 219046. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology