Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Spearfish, South Dakota |
| Online | bhsu.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Remote Town |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Black Hills State University sits at the northern edge of South Dakota's Black Hills region in Spearfish, positioned 50 miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Rapid City. The 123-acre campus features a mix of modern and historic buildings nestled in a valley setting, with direct access to outdoor recreation areas including the Lookout Mountain trail system. Established in 1883 as a teacher training institution, BHSU has evolved into a comprehensive public university offering programs across four colleges, with particular strengths in education, natural sciences, business, and outdoor education. The university maintains a liberal admissions policy and serves as a primary higher education center for western South Dakota, with most students residing in campus housing during their first two years. Environmental science programs benefit from the campus's proximity to multiple national parks and forests, while the Yellow Jackets compete in NCAA Division II athletics.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Black Hills State University is rated within the lower 23% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 3 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Black Hills State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#1000 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#418 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#8 in Best Colleges in South Dakota
#6 in Best Public Colleges in South Dakota
#5 in Best Value Colleges in South Dakota
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 970/1085 |
| ACT | 18/24 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.22 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $20 |
Annual Cost to Attend
South Dakota Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $1,300 |
| Room and Board | $7,400 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,500 |
| Total One Year Cost | $22,100 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $1,300 |
| Room and Board | $7,400 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,500 |
| Total One Year Cost | $25,200 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Education | 21% |
| Business | 18% |
| Social Sciences | 10% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 8% |
| Psychology | 6% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Black Hills State University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=219046 IPEDS survey data for Black Hills State University.
Current students may use the Black Hills State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025