Black Hills State University's published cost of attendance is $21,277. Net price by income band reflects the institution's public-tuition structure and need-based aid reach: low-income families pay approximately $11,863, middle-income families pay around $15,588, and higher-income families pay approximately $18,604.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $21,277 |
| Tuition and Fees | $11,866 |
| Room and Board | $12,160 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,092 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$5,366 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $15,911 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $11,863 |
| $30–48k | $13,379 |
| $48–75k | $15,588 |
| $75–110k | $18,072 |
| $110k+ | $18,604 |
Black Hills State University's published cost of attendance is $21,277. Net price by income band reflects the institution's public-tuition structure and need-based aid reach: low-income families pay approximately $11,863, middle-income families pay around $15,588, and higher-income families pay approximately $18,604. Azimuth ranks Black Hills State University #497 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $26,000, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $11,908; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For the typical graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $48,243, median federal debt of $26,000 projects to a monthly payment of about $294 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Black Hills State University earn median 4-year earnings of $48,243, placing Black Hills State University in the 9.4 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $5,087 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Black Hills State University in the 36.2 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Black Hills State University #1156 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. These outcomes reflect solid long-term financial returns for graduates entering the regional labor market. Black Hills State University's program portfolio centers on education and teacher preparation, with Education representing the dominant field. Business Administration is the largest program with 71 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $59,626, performing at 0.9x the national benchmark for the field. The Teacher Education program graduates 56 students earning $44,958, while Biology, General with 27 graduates reaches $40,967. These teaching-focused majors anchor the institution's mission and provide stable, in-demand career pathways in rural and regional school districts across the Upper Midwest.
