Black Hills State University vs. Austin Peay State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD with Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Austin Peay State University is larger than Black Hills State University based on total student enrollment (10,439 students vs. 3,346 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Black Hills State University is located in Spearfish, SD (Remote Town setting); Austin Peay State University is in Clarksville, TN (Midsize City setting).
• Black Hills State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Austin Peay State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Black Hills State University 17:1; Austin Peay State University 14:1.

Black Hills State University vs. Austin Peay State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Black Hills State University or Austin Peay State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Austin Peay State University than Black Hills State University ($9,882 vs. $15,576).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Black Hills State University are 9.5% lower than at Austin Peay State University ($12,160 vs. $13,430).
• Austin Peay State University is 2.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Black Hills State University (about $242 more per year; $9,006.00 vs. $8,764.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.4% higher at Austin Peay State University than at Black Hills State University (about $2,900 more per year; $14,766.00 vs. $11,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Austin Peay State University than at Black Hills State University (96% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Austin Peay State University students is 86% larger than aid received by Black Hills State University students ($11,290 vs. $6,070).

Black Hills State University vs. Austin Peay State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Black Hills State University or Austin Peay State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Austin Peay State University and Black Hills State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Black Hills State University (1050) is 70 points higher than at Austin Peay State University (980).
• Incoming Black Hills State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Austin Peay State University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Black Hills State University 965/1135; Austin Peay State University 843/1126.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Black Hills State University 18/24; Austin Peay State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Black Hills State University - Test optional; Austin Peay State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Austin Peay State University Aug 4, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Austin Peay State University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Black Hills State University (3.22).
• Austin Peay State University has a higher acceptance rate (96.4%) than Black Hills State University (96.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.1% at Black Hills State University vs. 27.5% at Austin Peay State University.

Black Hills State University vs. Austin Peay State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Black Hills State University and Austin Peay State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Austin Peay State University's six-year graduation rate (34%) is higher than Black Hills State University's (28%).
• Graduates from Black Hills State University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than Austin Peay State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,800 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Austin Peay State University graduates have a $2,978 lower median loan debt than Black Hills State University graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,478).
• Among borrowers, Austin Peay State University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Black Hills State University graduates ($232 vs. $263).
• More Black Hills State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Austin Peay State University students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 44%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.