Black Hills State University provides an affordable pathway to higher education in western South Dakota, with net prices that remain manageable for families across income levels.
The university's zero default rate and reasonable debt levels create a sustainable financial foundation, even though long-term earnings are more modest than at larger research institutions.
Black Hills State University serves as a regional public institution in western South Dakota, offering small-college benefits at public university prices. With roughly 18% of students receiving Pell Grants and 28% being first-generation college students, BHSU provides accessible higher education in a state where options are limited. The university's outcomes reflect its regional focus and student population, with graduates earning a median of $46,674 ten years after enrollment.
As a small public university, BHSU emphasizes teaching and student support over research intensity. The institution's most popular programs include Business Administration, Adult and Continuing Education, and Community Organization and Advocacy, fields that align with regional workforce needs. While earnings outcomes are more modest than at larger research universities, the university maintains affordable net prices and manageable debt levels.
For students who thrive in smaller environments and plan to work in South Dakota or the broader region, BHSU offers a practical pathway to a college degree. The university falls into the "Opportunity Builders" category for mobility, indicating it serves students who might not otherwise attend college, though long-term earnings outcomes remain below national averages for public institutions.
Black Hills State University's program portfolio reflects its regional mission and the workforce needs of western South Dakota. Business Administration and Management leads both in enrollment and aggregate return, graduating 83 students annually who earn about $36,914 in their early careers. This program serves as an economic anchor for the university, combining solid enrollment with reasonable earnings outcomes for graduates entering business roles throughout the region.
Adult and Continuing Education represents another significant program area, graduating 59 students who earn approximately $40,768 early in their careers. This field aligns with BHSU's commitment to serving non-traditional students and addressing regional educational needs. Community Organization and Advocacy, while smaller with 30 graduates, demonstrates the university's focus on public service careers that are vital to rural communities.
The program mix reflects BHSU's role as a regional comprehensive university rather than a research institution. Students should expect career preparation focused on education, business, and community service rather than high-earning technical fields. While earnings may be more modest than at major research universities, these programs provide stable career pathways that serve the regional economy and offer meaningful work-life balance.
Black Hills State University graduates earn a median of $46,674 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the lower third nationally for long-term earnings among public universities. While these earnings are modest compared with larger research institutions, they reflect both the regional job market and the types of careers that BHSU graduates typically pursue. The university's value-added earnings performance indicates that graduates earn somewhat less than similar students at other institutions, suggesting that program mix and regional factors influence long-term financial outcomes.
The university's strongest programs by enrollment and aggregate return include Business Administration and Management, which graduates 83 students annually with median earnings around $36,914 two years post-graduation. Adult and Continuing Education represents another significant program with 59 graduates earning about $40,768 early in their careers. Community Organization and Advocacy, while smaller with 30 graduates, shows the university's commitment to public service fields that are important regionally but typically offer more modest compensation.
Students should understand that BHSU's career outcomes are shaped by South Dakota's job market and the university's focus on education, business, and community service fields. While earnings may be lower than at major research universities, graduates often find stable employment in their home region with reasonable work-life balance and lower living costs.
Black Hills State University offers strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible for most South Dakota families. Low-income students pay about $12,475 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net prices around $17,864 per year. Even higher-income families pay roughly $19,987, keeping costs predictable and manageable compared with many out-of-state alternatives.
Debt levels at BHSU are reasonable relative to the institution's pricing structure. Typical graduates leave with about $26,000 in federal student loan debt, a moderate level that reflects both the university's affordable sticker price and students' borrowing patterns. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $10,000, indicating that many families can cover a substantial portion of costs through savings, work, and grants rather than relying heavily on parent loans. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully despite more modest earnings levels.
Black Hills State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
