Academic Comparison between NSU and BHSU

Northern State University and Black Hills State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in South Dakota

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • BHSU has more expensive tuition & fees ($12,018) than NSU ($11,947).
  • It is harder to admit to NSU than BHSU.
  • Both NSU and BHSU have the same submitted SAT scores (1,060).
  • Both NSU and BHSU have the same submitted ACT scores (21).
  • NSU has more students with 3,708 students while BHSU has 3,346 students.
  • BHSU has a lower number of students per faculty with 17 to 1 while NSU's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • BHSU has more full-time faculties with 107 faculties while NSU has 87 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northern State Universityvs.Black Hills State University
Aberdeen, South DakotaLocationSpearfish, South Dakota
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (smaller programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (smaller programs)
In-State$8,845
Out-Of-State$11,947
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$8,916
Out-Of-State$12,018
35%% Receiving Financial Aid41%
$7,194Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,366
93.00 %Acceptance Rates96.33 %
35.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)30.10 %
1,060SAT Score1,060
21ACT Score21
49 %Graduation Rate43 %
8 %Transfer-out Rate-
77 %Retention Rate72 %
3,708Student Population3,346
87Number of Faculties107
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services