1883
Spearfish, SD

About Black Hills State University

Black Hills State University, a public institution in Spearfish, by the Black Hills of South Dakota, teaches students pursuing degrees in the liberal arts.  Quality undergraduate and graduate programs are offered through innovative and engaging scholastic practices.

BHSU online provides a way for students to take the same high-quality, rigorous courses as offered on-campus.  Master’s degrees in leadership and education are available, as well as bachelor’s degrees in business and general studies.  Certificate programs are also available through BHSU online.  

BHSU online offers:

  • Degree programs which can be completed fully online
  • Library services, financial aid, counseling and writing centers
  • Disability services

Accreditation & Licensing

Black Hills State University is accredited by:

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Type:

4-year, Public

Highest Level Offered:

Master's degree

Religious Affiliation:

Not applicable

Enrollment:

Undergraduate: 4,928 ; Graduate: 787

Percent of Fully Online Students:

Undergraduate: 54% ; Graduate: 36%

Graduation Rate:

43%

Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:

$46,674

Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):

$26,000

Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:

41%

Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:

$6,366

Credit for Military Training:

Yes

Online Programs offered by Black Hills State University

Check Program Availability

All Programs

Art & Liberal Arts

Bachelor of General Studies
Certificate in Professional Writing

Business

Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / Management
Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Science in Corporate Communication
Best Buy degree
Master of Science in Strategic Leadership

Education

Best Buy degree
Master of Education in Reading
Best Buy degree
Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction / Education Studies
Best Buy degree
Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction / K-12 Mathematics Education
Best Buy degree
Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction / K-12 Special Education
Best Buy degree
Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction / Mathematics
Best Buy degree
Master of Science in Secondary Education

Math & Science

Best Buy degree
Master of Science in Sustainability

Frequently Asked Questions About Black Hills State University

Is Black Hills State University accredited?

Yes. Black Hills State University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

How many online programs does Black Hills State University offer?

Black Hills State University offers 12 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.

What degree levels does Black Hills State University offer?

Black Hills State University offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.

How should students contact admissions at Black Hills State University?

Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.

Is Black Hills State University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?

Roughly speaking, Black Hills State University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.

How quickly can I enroll at Black Hills State University?

Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.

What should transfer students ask Black Hills State University first?

The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.

What GPA do most Black Hills State University programs require?

GPA requirements typically range from 2.0 to 3.0, and 3.0 appears most often.

Is Black Hills State University military friendly?

Black Hills State University does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.

How can students request information from Black Hills State University through GetEducated?

Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.

What documents are most commonly required for Black Hills State University applications?

Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Essay/Writing Sample, and Resume/CV. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.

Does Black Hills State University accept life experience credit?

Black Hills State University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.

Are Black Hills State University programs fully online or mixed?

Black Hills State University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.

What kinds of online programs does Black Hills State University offer?

Black Hills State University has online program options in areas such as Education, Business, Art & Liberal Arts, and Math & Science; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.

Do any Black Hills State University programs have specialized accreditation?

Program-specific accreditors include Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); AACSB International (AACSB).

Are any admission tests required for Black Hills State University programs?

One recurring admissions-test item is ACCUPLACER, ACT/SAT. Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.

Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Black Hills State University?

For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.

Do any Black Hills State University programs have state authorization limitations?

State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.

How often can students start at Black Hills State University?

Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Black Hills State University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.

How should working adults compare Black Hills State University programs?

Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.

Featured Ranking Reports

Black Hills State University is featured in 10 of our ranking reports!

GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.

We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.

Geographic and Educational Overview

Google Map

Black Hills State University is located in South Dakota

South Dakota at a Glance:

State flag of SD
Pierre
886,667
77,116 sq mi
6
8
4
$8,900.00

Top Majors in South Dakota:

Top Incentives in South Dakota:

Top Career Pathways in South Dakota:

Agribusiness Management
  • Entry Level: Farm Manager ($45,000)
  • Mid Level: Agricultural Director ($75,000)
  • Senior Level: Operations Executive ($120,000+)
  • Required Education: BS Agricultural Business
  • Certifications: CCA, CPAg
* Data is approximate and may be AI-enhanced