Black Hills State University (BHSU) vs MSU-ND
Black Hills State University and Minot State University, both public institutions in the Northern Plains, offer distinct educational experiences. Black Hills State, nestled in the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota, boasts a higher acceptance rate and a smaller student body, fostering a close-knit community. Minot State, located in the heart of North Dakota, attracts a more diverse student population and offers a wider range of academic programs, including graduate degrees. While both universities excel in certain areas, their unique strengths and characteristics cater to different student preferences and aspirations. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover which institution aligns best with your academic goals and personal preferences.
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![]() Black Hills State University |
![]() Minot State University |
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Overview |
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Location | Spearfish, South Dakota | Minot, North Dakota |
Campus setting | Town: Distant | Town: Remote |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 61.0% | 73.0% |
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No | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 97.3% | 88.4% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$20
Graduate:
$35
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Undergraduate:
$35
Graduate:
$35
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SAT range | 970 - 1150 | 990 - 1200 |
ACT range | 18 - 23 | 17 - 23 |
Students submitting SAT score | 6.0% | 9.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 79.0% | 73.0% |
Total number of applicants | 1,382 | 551 |
Total number of admissions given out | 1,344 | 487 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 452 | 374 |
Yield rate | 33.6% | 76.8% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Not required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$22,100
Out of state:
$25,200
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$19,806 |
Average net price | $15,895 | $12,935 |
Tuition |
In state:
$7,700
Out of state:
$10,800
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$6,892 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$3,680
Meal plan:
$3,622
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Room/dormitory:
$2,991
Meal plan:
$3,900
|
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
89.0%
Average amount $4,736 |
90.0%
Average amount $4,523 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
58.0%
Average amount $4,966 |
54.0%
Average amount $4,932 |
Students taking out private loans |
11.0%
Average amount $9,709 |
10.0%
Average amount $6,948 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
3,346
Men 36.8% Women 63.2% |
2,576
Men 36.4% Women 63.6% |
Graduate students |
193
Men 34.2% Women 65.8% |
260
Men 26.5% Women 73.5% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
|
Low
|
Out-of-state students | N/A | N/A |
International students | 1.5% | 11.0% |
Campus local/setting | Town: Distant | Town: Remote |
Dormitory capacity | 811 | 652 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | N/A | N/A |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 17:1 | 11:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 42.5% | 46.5% |
Dropout rate | 55.3% | 22.6% |
Transferred out | N/A | 26.1% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Special Education and Teaching (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Community Organization and Advocacy (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Social Work (Bachelor's Degrees)
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees)
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