Black Hills State University

What Is It Known For?

Black Hills State University, founded in 1887, is a public institution committed to making higher education accessible. Located in Spearfish, South Dakota, the university follows a semester-based academic calendar and serves a student body of approximately 3,346 each year. Known for its strong academic offerings, it provides more than 60 degrees, certificates, and minors.

Students at BHSU can pursue a variety of programs, with business, education, and natural sciences among the most popular choices. The university, home to the Yellow Jackets, blends a comprehensive education with a focus on regional needs, preparing graduates for careers in a range of fields.

Degrees & Certifications

Black Hills State University provides a broad selection of academic programs, offering 49 bachelor’s degrees, 5 associate’s degrees, 8 master’s programs, and 31 undergraduate certificates.

Some of the most sought-after programs include:

Class Schedules

Black Hills State University offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate different learning styles and commitments. Students can take classes on campus, online, or through a hybrid format. Evening courses are available, with live online sessions and in-person night classes starting after 5 PM.

Certain programs, like the Clinical Dental Assistant course, incorporate hands-on training. These require students to apply for clinical experience, allowing them to work in real-world settings and gain practical skills before graduation.

Is It a Good School?

Yes. Black Hills State University is a legitimate institution. The school is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) among others.

Acceptance Rate

Black Hills State University has an acceptance rate of 97%.

How Much Does Tuition Cost?

For South Dakota residents, undergraduate tuition and fees are $8,763 per year. Students from other states, including MN, MO, CO, IA, WI, WY, IL, KS, ND, and NE, are eligible for in-state tuition rates as well.

Non-residents can expect to pay $11,865 annually. Keep in mind that additional expenses such as food, housing, books, and supplies will also contribute to the overall cost. For a more accurate estimate of the total cost of attendance, we recommend using the school’s net price calculator or reaching out to the school directly.

Programs & Courses

Business

  • Accounting
  • Business Administration
  • Entrepreneurial Studies
  • Human Resource Management
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Tourism & Hospitality Management

Healthcare

  • Exercise Science
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Nursing
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Pharmacy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Respiratory Therapy
  • Veterinary Medicine

Professional Services

  • Graphic Design

Campus Locations

Spearfish 1200 University Street Spearfish, SD 57799

Box Elder 4300 Cheyenne Blvd Box Elder, SD 57719

Reviews

Based on reviews in Google and other sources, Black Hills State University has a positive reputation, particularly for its beautiful campus, supportive professors, and strong sense of community. While some older reviews mention administrative and financial aid issues, the majority of recent feedback highlights a positive and welcoming experience.

Overall Score: 4.2/5 Stars

Common Praises

Supportive and Dedicated Professors: A major highlight for students is the quality of the teaching staff. Professors are described as “passionate,” “helpful,” and genuinely caring about student success. The small class sizes allow for one-on-one attention and a first-name basis relationship with instructors.

Beautiful Campus and Town: Reviewers consistently praise the university’s location in Spearfish, South Dakota. The campus is noted for being well-kept, and the surrounding Black Hills offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities.

Positive and Welcoming Environment: Many students feel a strong sense of community and safety on campus. The staff, from front-desk workers to administration, is described as friendly and helpful, contributing to a “home-like” atmosphere.

Common Criticisms

Limited Campus Life and Food Options: While the academic environment is praised, some reviews, particularly from students, note that campus life and extracurricular activities can be limited, especially on weekends. The quality and variety of food in the dining hall also receives mixed feedback, with some students expressing a desire for more options.

Administrative and Financial Aid Issues: Some older reviews, mostly from over five years ago, mention that the financial aid office and other administrative services are not always helpful and can be rude. One review also mentions that class selections can be limited, dictating a student’s schedule rather than providing preference. These complaints are not present in recent feedback.

Momentum

Based on reviews in Google and other online platforms, the momentum for Black Hills State University is strongly positive. Recent reviews consistently praise the school’s atmosphere, faculty, and campus improvements. The negative comments that exist are older and do not reflect a current trend, with the most recent feedback from students and visitors being very favorable.