About

About Black Hills State University

open access admissionsmasters level programseducation and business focussmall public university

Black Hills State University is a public university in Spearfish, SD, known for its open access admissions, masters level programs, and education and business focus. With an acceptance rate of 97%, BHSU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 481 students each year. BHSU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 970–1085, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. BHSU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $3,732 per year; the sticker price of $25,118 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Black Hills State University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

97%
Overall Accept Rate
1028
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 970 – 1085 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Black Hills State University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
With a 97% acceptance rate, Black Hills State is very accessible, but applying early in the fall still helps you secure your spot in housing and financial aid, both of which can fill up before the semester starts.
Test Score Strategy
Since BHSU is test optional, there is no reason to submit a score that falls below their middle 50% range. Focus your application energy on your GPA and any activities or work experience that show your interests.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Black Hills State University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$25k/yr$11.9k
30k-48k~$25k/yr$13.4k
48k-75k~$25k/yr$15.6k
75k-110k~$25k/yr$18.1k
110k+~$25k/yr$18.6k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

39%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$39k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
2,197
Undergrad Enrollment
Black Hills State University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch