MSU vs. Black Hills State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Minot State University in Minot, ND 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 MSU based on total student enrollment (3,346 students vs. 2,751 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Minot State University is located in Minot, ND (Remote Town setting); Black Hills State University is in Spearfish, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Minot State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Black Hills State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minot State University 11:1; Black Hills State University 17:1.

MSU vs. Black Hills State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU 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 Minot State University than Black Hills State University ($13,092 vs. $15,576).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Minot State University are 29.8% lower than at Black Hills State University ($8,534 vs. $12,160).
• Black Hills State University is 0.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $62 more per year; $8,764.00 vs. $8,702.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.4% higher at Black Hills State University than at Minot State University (about $3,164 more per year; $11,866.00 vs. $8,702.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Minot State University than at Black Hills State University (90% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Black Hills State University students is 0.9% larger than aid received by Minot State University students ($6,070 vs. $6,016).

MSU vs. Black Hills State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MSU 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 MSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Black Hills State University (1050) is 10 points higher than at MSU (1040).
• Incoming MSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Black Hills State University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minot State University 930/1140; Black Hills State University 965/1135.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minot State University 18/24; Black Hills State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU - Test optional; Black Hills State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MSU Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MSU students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Black Hills State University (3.22).
• Black Hills State University has a higher acceptance rate (96.3%) than MSU (64.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 77.9% at MSU vs. 30.1% at Black Hills State University.

MSU vs. Black Hills State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU 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).

• Minot State University's six-year graduation rate (34%) is higher than Black Hills State University's (28%).
• Graduates from Minot State University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than Black Hills State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Minot State University graduates have a $6,753 lower median loan debt than Black Hills State University graduates ($18,725 vs. $25,478).
• Among borrowers, MSU graduates have an estimated $70 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Black Hills State University graduates ($193 vs. $263).
• More MSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Black Hills State University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 62%)

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.