Overview of Black Hills State University
Black Hills State University (BHSU) is a public university located in Spearfish, South Dakota, with a second location in Rapid City. Established in 1883, BHSU has a long history of providing quality education in the picturesque Black Hills region. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and the unique cultural and recreational opportunities provided by its location. please note that details may have changed, and it’s advisable to check the university’s official website for the most current information.
Academic Programs: Black Hills State University offers a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. The university provides degrees in fields such as business, education, liberal arts, sciences, social sciences, and the arts. BHSU emphasizes a student-centered learning environment with a focus on hands-on experiences and practical skills.
Distinctive Academic Offerings: BHSU offers unique academic programs that take advantage of the university’s location and resources. For example, the Outdoor Education program capitalizes on the region’s natural beauty, providing students with opportunities for experiential learning in outdoor settings. Additionally, the university’s location near the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore creates a unique backdrop for studies in fields like geology, history, and tourism.
Community Engagement and Service Learning: Community engagement is a significant aspect of the BHSU experience. The university encourages students to participate in service learning projects, internships, and volunteer opportunities that connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. This commitment to community involvement contributes to the development of well-rounded and socially responsible graduates.
Center for American Indian Studies: BHSU recognizes the importance of Native American culture and heritage, and the Center for American Indian Studies plays a crucial role in promoting understanding and appreciation. The center provides resources, support, and programming that celebrate Native American culture, history, and contributions.
Dual City Locations: BHSU has a dual-city model, with campuses in both Spearfish and Rapid City. This allows students to access a variety of resources and experiences in two distinct settings. The Rapid City location, in particular, provides opportunities for students to engage with a larger urban environment and tap into regional economic and cultural hubs.
Campus and Facilities: The main campus in Spearfish, surrounded by the scenic Black Hills, features modern facilities including classrooms, laboratories, a library, and recreational spaces. BHSU’s facilities are designed to support academic pursuits, research, and student life. The university’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its green initiatives and environmentally conscious practices.
Athletics: The BHSU Yellow Jackets compete in NCAA Division II athletics as members of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). Intercollegiate sports, including basketball, cross country, track and field, and soccer, contribute to school spirit and provide students with opportunities for physical fitness and teamwork.
Arts and Culture: BHSU values the importance of arts and culture in the university experience. The university supports a vibrant arts community with events, performances, and exhibitions that showcase the talents of students and faculty. The arts, including music, theater, and visual arts, are integral components of the BHSU campus life.
Admissions and Financial Aid: The admissions process at BHSU typically considers factors such as academic achievements, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities. The university is committed to providing accessible education and offers various scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to support students in their academic journey.
Global Perspectives: BHSU recognizes the importance of global perspectives in education. The university may offer study abroad programs and opportunities for international experiences, allowing students to broaden their horizons and gain exposure to different cultures.
Research and Scholarship: BHSU values research and scholarship as integral components of academic life. Faculty members engage in research activities that contribute to their fields, and students may have opportunities to participate in research projects. This emphasis on scholarly pursuits enhances the overall academic environment at the university.
Alumni Success: Black Hills State University takes pride in the achievements of its alumni, who have made contributions in various fields, including business, education, science, and the arts. The university’s alumni network serves as a valuable resource for current students, providing mentorship and professional connections.
Black Hills State University stands as a distinctive institution in the heart of the Black Hills, offering a comprehensive and engaging educational experience. The university’s commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and the unique opportunities provided by its location contribute to a vibrant and dynamic learning environment. For the latest and most accurate information, it is recommended to refer to Black Hills State University’s official website.
1200 University Street, Unit 9500 Spearfish, SD 57799-9500
Phone: (800) 255-2478
Email: admissions@bhsu.edu
Web site: http://www.bhsu.edu
Rankings: Black Hills State University
Located in Spearfish, SD, Black Hills State University is one of the best universities in the state of Illinois. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Black Hills State University in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Black Hills State University.
Black Hills State University has consistently been ranked among the top universities in the country. The most recent US News and World Report ranks BHSU as the sixth best regional university in the Midwest. Additionally, BHSU was ranked as one of the top 50 public universities in the nation by Washington Monthly magazine. The Princeton Review named BHSU one of its “Best in the Midwest” for 2019. BHSU also earned a spot on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Value Colleges for 2020, and was ranked by College Consensus as one of South Dakota’s best colleges for 2021.
The faculty at Black Hills State University is highly regarded for their commitment to teaching excellence and student success. According to recent survey data, 95% of students report that they are satisfied with their professors and their teaching methods. In addition, 94% of students feel that their professors are accessible outside of class and provide them with meaningful feedback on assignments. The faculty is also dedicated to helping students further their education beyond college, offering internships and research opportunities to help prepare them for future careers.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 2.5 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 88 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 53.3% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 24.3% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | N/A |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | N/A |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 77 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 52.9% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 4.3% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 19:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 86.0% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 67 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 18-23 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 9% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 28% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 95.4% |
| Financial resources rank: | 72 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 37 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 18.1% |
Essential Facts: Black Hills State University
- The Black Hills State University campus consists of 123 acres (50 ha) and 20 main buildings in addition to Ida Henton Park and Lyle Hare Stadium.
- Black Hills State University is a beautiful campus. Black Hills State university challenges students not only to excel in school, but to find out who they really are.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 22% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | N/A |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | N/A |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | N/A |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | N/A |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | No |
| Additional policies and regulations: | N/A |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NAIA |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | basketball |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | basketball |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, musical theater, pep band, radio station, student government, student newspaper |