---
title: Black Hills State University — PickACampus
description: Learn about Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD. View stats for tuition, acceptance rate, SAT/ACT scores, and rankings.
url: https://pickacampus.com/college/913
last_updated: 2026-06-03
---

# Black Hills State University

Black Hills State University is a public institution located in the college-town setting of Spearfish, South Dakota. With a total enrollment of 1,928 and an acceptance rate of 96%, the university maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio and ranks #310 overall on PickACampus. Admissions averages include an SAT score of 1087 and an ACT score of 21.

## Overview
- Location: Spearfish, SD
- Type: Public
- Setting: college-town
- Total enrollment: 1,928

## Admissions
- Acceptance rate: 96%
- Average SAT: 1,087
- Average ACT: 21
- Average GPA: 3.10

## Cost
- In-state tuition: $8,764
- Out-of-state tuition: $11,866
- Room and board: $12,160
- Average financial aid: $9,000
- Average student debt at graduation: $26,000

## Outcomes
- 6-year graduation rate: 43%
- 4-year graduation rate: 29%
- Freshman retention: 72%
- Employment rate: 72%
- Average starting salary: $38,927

## Academics
- Student-faculty ratio: 17:1

## Common questions

Q: What is Black Hills State University's acceptance rate?
A: Black Hills State University's acceptance rate is 96%.

Q: How much does Black Hills State University cost?
A: Black Hills State University charges $8,764 for in-state tuition and $11,866 for out-of-state. Room and board and fees are additional.

Q: Where is Black Hills State University located?
A: Black Hills State University is located in Spearfish, SD.

Q: What SAT score do you need for Black Hills State University?
A: The average SAT score at Black Hills State University is 1,087.

Q: What is the graduation rate at Black Hills State University?
A: Black Hills State University has a 6-year graduation rate of 43%.

Compare Black Hills State University with other schools free at https://pickacampus.com/college/913