NKU vs. Black Hills State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY with Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Black Hills State University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 3,346 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting); Black Hills State University is in Spearfish, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Northern Kentucky 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: Northern Kentucky University 19:1; Black Hills State University 17:1.

NKU vs. Black Hills State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NKU 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 Northern Kentucky University than Black Hills State University ($9,211 vs. $15,576).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Black Hills State University are 4.3% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($12,160 vs. $12,712).
• Northern Kentucky University is 26.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Black Hills State University (about $2,324 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $8,764.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 84.7% higher at NKU than at Black Hills State University (about $10,046 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $11,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Black Hills State University (98% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 70.2% larger than aid received by Black Hills State University students ($10,332 vs. $6,070).

NKU vs. Black Hills State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NKU 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 NKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern Kentucky University (1050) is the same as at Black Hills State University (1050).
• Incoming NKU 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: Northern Kentucky University 953/1150; Black Hills State University 965/1135.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Kentucky University 18/25; Black Hills State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NKU - Test optional; Black Hills State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU 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 NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.8% at NKU vs. 30.1% at Black Hills State University.

NKU vs. Black Hills State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NKU 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).

• Northern Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Black Hills State University's (28%).
• Graduates from Northern Kentucky University earn a median of about $900 more per year than Black Hills State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $528 lower median loan debt than Black Hills State University graduates ($24,950 vs. $25,478).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Black Hills State University graduates ($257 vs. $263).
• More Black Hills State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 53%)

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.