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, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Master's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 4,928 ; Graduate: 787Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 54% ; Graduate: 36%Graduation Rate:
43%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$46,674Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$26,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
41%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$6,366Credit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Black Hills State University
All Programs
Business
Education
Math & Science
Black Hills State University can be a good place to finish your degree when your major is clear early. Its smaller class setting and easy access to professors can help you stay on track each term.
Your program choice matters most for how fast you finish. Some paths, like nursing, may not be offered. If your career needs a specific major, that can affect your timeline.
Cost may be a real plus at BHSU, since many students see it as affordable. The best plan is to line up your degree goal with the programs BHSU offers.
Daily support is a real strength at Black Hills State University. Professors are approachable and present. They take time to answer questions and do not rush students during office hours or after class.
Help goes beyond the classroom. Staff and instructors are helpful and clear, so students know where to turn for guidance. In a smaller school, that steady follow-through can solve problems early and keep students on track.
Online classes at BHSU fit students who want structure. The pace feels guided, not loose. Classes are small enough for real contact with instructors.
Support is close and consistent in daily coursework. Professors are approachable and available for questions. That helps when your schedule is busy. The format works best for students who want clear expectations and regular instructor connection.
At Black Hills State University, classes feel personal and easy to join. Small class sizes make it simpler to speak up and stay involved. Professors are clear, helpful, and easy to reach when questions come up.
Teaching is a real strength at BHSU. Students get direct support, and classes are easier to follow when instructors know them by name. BHSU is a strong fit for students who want close faculty contact and a school with programs that match their goals.
Black Hills State University is strongest in personal academics. Classes are small. Professors are approachable. One-on-one help is common and practical.
Support feels reliable across daily school life. Faculty and staff are present. Questions get attention. The main fit issue is program range.
A missing nursing path is a clear example. That can change a student’s timeline. Affordability is a plus, but not the lead story. The better reason to choose BHSU is close teaching contact. It fits students who want structure and direct faculty access.
Black Hills State University is strongest in personal academics. Classes are small. Professors are approachable. One-on-one help is common and practical.
Support feels reliable across daily school life. Faculty and staff are present. Questions get attention. The main fit issue is program range.
A missing nursing path is a clear example. That can change a student’s timeline. Affordability is a plus, but not the lead story. The better reason to choose BHSU is close teaching contact. It fits students who want structure and direct faculty access.
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!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Black Hills State University is located in South Dakota
South Dakota at a Glance:
Top Majors in South Dakota:
Top Incentives in South Dakota:
- South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship: Up to $6,500 total
Top Career Pathways in South Dakota:
- 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