Black Hills State University vs. Lamar University

Comparable Facts

Compare Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD with Lamar University in Beaumont, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lamar University is larger than Black Hills State University based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 3,346 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Black Hills State University is located in Spearfish, SD (Remote Town setting); Lamar University is in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Black Hills State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Black Hills State University 17:1; Lamar University 20:1.

Black Hills State University vs. Lamar University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Black Hills State University or Lamar 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 Lamar University than Black Hills State University ($9,814 vs. $15,576).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 13.9% lower than at Black Hills State University ($10,464 vs. $12,160).
• Lamar University is 1.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Black Hills State University (about $141 more per year; $8,905.00 vs. $8,764.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58% higher at Lamar University than at Black Hills State University (about $6,879 more per year; $18,745.00 vs. $11,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lamar University than at Black Hills State University (91% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 102% larger than aid received by Black Hills State University students ($12,263 vs. $6,070).

Black Hills State University vs. Lamar University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Black Hills State University or Lamar 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 Lamar University and Black Hills State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Black Hills State University (1050) is 10 points higher than at Lamar University (1040).
• Incoming Black Hills State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Lamar University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Black Hills State University 965/1135; Lamar University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Black Hills State University 18/24; Lamar University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Black Hills State University - Test optional; Lamar University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lamar University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Black Hills State University (3.22).
• Black Hills State University has a higher acceptance rate (96.3%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.1% at Black Hills State University vs. 21.9% at Lamar University.

Black Hills State University vs. Lamar University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Black Hills State University and Lamar 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).

• Lamar University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Black Hills State University's (28%).
• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Black Hills State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lamar University graduates have a $3,478 lower median loan debt than Black Hills State University graduates ($22,000 vs. $25,478).
• Among borrowers, Lamar University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Black Hills State University graduates ($227 vs. $263).
• More Black Hills State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 42%)

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.