Black Hills State University vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

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

Marshall University is larger than Black Hills State University based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 3,346 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Black Hills State University is located in Spearfish, SD (Remote Town setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• Black Hills State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Black Hills State University 17:1; Marshall University 16:1.

Black Hills State University vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Black Hills State University or Marshall 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 Marshall University than Black Hills State University ($8,076 vs. $15,576).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Black Hills State University are 8.5% lower than at Marshall University ($12,160 vs. $13,292).
• Marshall University is 4.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Black Hills State University (about $398 more per year; $9,162.00 vs. $8,764.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 71.4% higher at Marshall University than at Black Hills State University (about $8,476 more per year; $20,342.00 vs. $11,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marshall University than at Black Hills State University (97% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marshall University students is 121.5% larger than aid received by Black Hills State University students ($13,448 vs. $6,070).

Black Hills State University vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Black Hills State University (1050) is 20 points higher than at Marshall University (1030).
• Incoming Black Hills State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Marshall University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Black Hills State University 965/1135; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Black Hills State University 18/24; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Black Hills State University - Test optional; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Black Hills State University (3.22).
• Black Hills State University has a higher acceptance rate (96.3%) than Marshall University (95.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.1% at Black Hills State University vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

Black Hills State University vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Marshall University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Black Hills State University's (28%).
• Graduates from Marshall University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than Black Hills State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,200 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marshall University graduates have a $2,344 lower median loan debt than Black Hills State University graduates ($23,134 vs. $25,478).
• Among borrowers, Marshall University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Black Hills State University graduates ($239 vs. $263).
• More Black Hills State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marshall University students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 43%)

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.