NSU vs. Black Hills State University

Comparable Facts

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

Northeastern State University is larger than Black Hills State University based on total student enrollment (6,751 students vs. 3,346 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern State University is located in Tahlequah, OK (Remote Town setting); Black Hills State University is in Spearfish, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Northeastern 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: Northeastern State University 16:1; Black Hills State University 17:1.

NSU vs. Black Hills State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU 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 Northeastern State University than Black Hills State University ($12,410 vs. $15,576).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern State University are 8.6% lower than at Black Hills State University ($11,120 vs. $12,160).
• Black Hills State University is 12.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $954 more per year; $8,764.00 vs. $7,810.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.7% higher at NSU than at Black Hills State University (about $5,424 more per year; $17,290.00 vs. $11,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern State University than at Black Hills State University (83% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern State University students is 46.5% larger than aid received by Black Hills State University students ($8,893 vs. $6,070).

NSU vs. Black Hills State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU 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 NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Black Hills State University (1050) is 50 points higher than at NSU (1000).
• Incoming Black Hills State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at NSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern State University 866/1136; Black Hills State University 965/1135.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern State University 18/23; Black Hills State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; Black Hills State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman NSU students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Black Hills State University (3.22).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (99.6%) than Black Hills State University (96.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39% at NSU vs. 30.1% at Black Hills State University.

NSU vs. Black Hills State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU 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).

• Black Hills State University's six-year graduation rate (28%) is higher than Northeastern State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Northeastern State 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, Northeastern State University graduates have a $7,478 lower median loan debt than Black Hills State University graduates ($18,000 vs. $25,478).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $77 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Black Hills State University graduates ($186 vs. $263).
• More Black Hills State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 48%)

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.