Chadron State College vs. Black Hills State University

Comparable Facts

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

Black Hills State University is larger than Chadron State College based on total student enrollment (3,346 students vs. 2,098 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chadron State College is located in Chadron, NE (Rural Fringe setting); Black Hills State University is in Spearfish, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Chadron State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Black Hills State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chadron State College 15:1; Black Hills State University 17:1.

Chadron State College vs. Black Hills State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Chadron State College or Black Hills 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 Chadron State College than Black Hills State University ($13,292 vs. $15,576).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chadron State College are 17.9% lower than at Black Hills State University ($9,984 vs. $12,160).
• Black Hills State University is 5.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Chadron State College (about $474 more per year; $8,764.00 vs. $8,290.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.1% higher at Black Hills State University than at Chadron State College (about $3,576 more per year; $11,866.00 vs. $8,290.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chadron State College than at Black Hills State University (98% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chadron State College students is 27.2% larger than aid received by Black Hills State University students ($7,724 vs. $6,070).

Chadron State College vs. Black Hills State University Admissions comparison

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

• Chadron State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBlack Hills State University 965/1135.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBlack Hills State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Chadron State College - Open admission; Black Hills State University - Test optional.

Chadron State College vs. Black Hills State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Chadron State College and Black Hills 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).

• Chadron State College's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Black Hills State University's (28%).
• Graduates from Chadron State College earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than Black Hills State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,900 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chadron State College graduates have a $7,693 lower median loan debt than Black Hills State University graduates ($17,785 vs. $25,478).
• Among borrowers, Chadron State College graduates have an estimated $80 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Black Hills State University graduates ($183 vs. $263).
• More Black Hills State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chadron State College students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 61%)

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.