Spearfish, SD · Public · 4-year
Black Hills State University has a 94.4% acceptance rate. Black Hills State University is a public 4-year institution in Spearfish, SD, with a median SAT of 1060 and a median ACT of 21. The average net price is $15,911 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.
94.4%
1,617 applicants
1060
Combined score
21
Composite score
$15,911
After financial aid
Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Black Hills State University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:
| Test | 25th percentile | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT (total, 400–1600) | — | 1060 | 1135 |
| ACT (composite, 1–36) | 18 | 21 | 23 |
40.5%
71.7%
$46,674
1,928
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Black Hills State University:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 – $30,000 | $11,863 |
| $30,001 – $48,000 | $13,379 |
| $48,001 – $75,000 | $15,588 |
| $75,001 – $110,000 | $18,072 |
| $110,000+ | $18,604 |
| Major | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|
| Business, Management & Marketing | 65 |
| Education | 53 |
| Psychology | 30 |
| Parks, Recreation & Fitness | 28 |
| Visual & Performing Arts | 28 |
| Public Administration & Social Services | 20 |
| Biological & Biomedical Sciences | 18 |
| Social Sciences | 17 |
| Liberal Arts & General Studies | 14 |
| English Language & Literature | 11 |
Official website: https://www.bhsu.edu/
Admissions: https://www.bhsu.edu/Admissions
Black Hills State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. it received about 1,617 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1060; the average net price is $15,911 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Black Hills State University for free using your GPA and test scores.
Getting into Black Hills State University is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 94% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1060. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Black Hills State University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.
Admitted students at Black Hills State University typically have a median SAT around 1060 and a median ACT around 21. With a 94% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Black Hills State University is located in Spearfish, SD. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.
The average net price at Black Hills State University is $15,911 per year after grants and scholarships. about 90% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $5,158 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.
Black Hills State University has a graduation rate of 40%. its first-year retention rate is 72%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $46,674. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Black Hills State University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.
For the 2025–26 cycle, Black Hills State University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1060. With a 94% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Black Hills State University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.
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