Public

Medium

Black Hills State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range980 to 1180

ACT Range18 to 24

Average GPAN/A

Acceptance Rate96.3%

Black Hills State is broadly accessible, so your test score is most useful as a way to compete for money. An ACT 24, the top of its middle range, or SAT 1090 can put you in range for the SDOS award, worth $1,500 to $7,500.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Black Hills State University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Black Hills State University enrolls about 3,198 undergraduates in a small-town campus setting. Black Hills State has a 72% freshman retention rate, slightly above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 43%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1.

Location

Spearfish, SD

Undergrad Enrollment3,198

Freshman Retention72%

SettingSmall town

Student to Faculty Ratio17:1

Graduation Rate43%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Black Hills State?

SAT score card showing a 1520 score with an unlocked lock

Unlock your future with Acely

Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.

Start your free trial

Key Black Hills State University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

Not offered

Early Action

—

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Black Hills State, take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for retakes. For SDOS scholarship consideration, which starts at SAT 1090 or ACT 24, a December retake should still leave time for scores to arrive before the March 1 financial aid priority deadline.

Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Black Hills State University?

Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.

Start your free trial

What you'll actually pay

At Black Hills State, in-state tuition is $7,616 and out-of-state tuition is $10,718. To be considered for financial aid, submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline.

In-State Tuition$7,616

Out-of-State Tuition$10,718

Room and Board$7,556

Average Merit AwardN/A

Application Fee$20

Students on AidN/A

Average Aid PackageN/A

Average Debt at GradN/A

Black Hills State’s out-of-state tuition is $10,718, compared with in-state tuition of $7,616. Room and board adds about $7,556, so students should budget beyond tuition for housing, meals, fees, books, and personal expenses. Actual costs can vary based on residency, financial need, and available scholarships or grants.