Black Hills State University
Black Hills State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Black Hills State University at a Glance
Black Hills State University (BHSU) is a public university in Spearfish, South Dakota, United States. Close to 4,000 students attend classes at its 123-acre (50 ha) campus in Spearfish, with a satellite campus in Rapid City which is shared with South Dakota State University, and through distance offerings. BHSU is governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents.
1883
143 years old
3,346
3,198 undergrad · 148 grad
Identity
Is Black Hills State University Worth It?
At a value score of 30/100, Black Hills State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $46,674 — 13% below average — while paying $15,911/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 40% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 96% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $26,000 representing 56% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Black Hills State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Black Hills State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #89 of 119 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #4 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #89 | Black Hills State University | 30 | $15,911 | $46,674 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Black Hills State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in SD.
Best Programs at Black Hills State University
The highest-earning program at Black Hills State University is Special Education and Teaching at $38,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $25,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Special Education and Teaching graduate from Black Hills State University earns $38,600, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $25,500. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $15,911/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Education and Teaching | $38,600 | $38,600 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $38,600 | $38,600 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $37,700 | $37,700 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $35,100 | $35,100 | $23,663 |
| Community Organization and Advocacy | $29,000 | $29,000 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $28,100 | $28,100 | $21,625 |
| Psychology, General | $25,500 | $25,500 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in SD
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Spearfish, SD
- Student Body
- 1,928 students
- Admission Rate
- 96%
- Graduation Rate
- 40%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $15,911
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $46,674
- Median Student Debt
- $26,000