A straight answer: 95.3% acceptance rate.
This means for every 100 applicants, only 95 actually get in. No guessing. Black Hills State University is a COMP institution located in Spearfish, SD — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.
Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)
Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:
Men
Women
If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.
Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters
This is where the reality hits:
Yield Rate: N/A
This shows how many admitted students choose Black Hills State University. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.
What Scores Do You Need?
If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.
What the Black Hills State University Acceptance Rate Can — and Can’t — Tell You
Looking up the Black Hills State University acceptance rate is a natural starting point for applicants trying to understand admissions competitiveness. The number is easy to find and easy to compare, but it’s often misunderstood.
An acceptance rate of 95.3% represents outcomes across thousands of applications, not individual chances. It combines students with strong academic preparation, borderline applicants, and exploratory submissions into one statistic, which limits how precisely it can be interpreted.
Why Acceptance Rates Vary Year to Year
Acceptance rates don’t just change because universities become more or less selective. They fluctuate based on how many students apply, how programs manage enrollment, and how applicants self-select.
At Black Hills State University, shifts in applicant interest—especially in certain majors—can influence admissions outcomes. When demand increases in popular programs, competition intensifies even if the overall acceptance rate remains stable.
A Better Way to Think About Admissions Chances
Rather than using the acceptance rate at Black Hills State University as a prediction tool, students should see it as a benchmark. It helps identify whether a school belongs in a reach, target, or safety category, but it doesn’t replace self-assessment.
Applicants who focus on academic fit, preparation, and realistic expectations often find that acceptance rate data makes more sense in hindsight than it does upfront.
Admissions Insight
Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?
Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.
Your Chances of Getting Into Black Hills State University
Let’s keep it real:
- ✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
- 🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
- ❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles
If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.
What's my real shot?
Acceptance Odds Estimator
Estimate your admission probability at Black Hills State University based on your unique profile.
Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.
Try Right Fit MatcherSo, How Selective Is Black Hills State University Really?
By the time students reach this point in their research, most are no longer just curious about numbers. They want clarity. They want to know whether applying to Black Hills State University makes sense for them, not just how the university looks on paper.
Acceptance data helps frame that question, but selectivity is ultimately contextual. Some applicants encounter a relatively smooth admissions process, while others face more competition depending on academic background, intended major, and preparation level.
What This Means for Your Application Decisions
If your academic record aligns well with what Black Hills State University typically looks for, the admissions process may feel more approachable than the overall data suggests. On the other hand, students aiming for high-demand programs or applying with less preparation should expect more competition—even if the university’s overall admit rate seems favorable.
This is why students sometimes feel surprised by outcomes. Admissions decisions are not random; they are shaped by how closely an applicant’s profile matches institutional priorities.
Instead of asking whether Black Hills State University is “easy” or “hard” to get into, a more useful question is whether it fits your academic goals and current profile. When viewed this way, acceptance data becomes a planning tool rather than a source of stress, helping students build balanced application lists and realistic expectations.
Should You Apply to Black Hills State University?
If 95.3% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.
- Will I be a standout here?
- Do I like the vibe?
- Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
- Is this my best-fit major here?
Explore Black Hills State University
Jump to related stats for this same university.
FAQs About Black Hills State University Acceptance Rate
What is the average GPA for Black Hills State University students?
The average GPA for admitted students at Black Hills State University typically falls within a range of 2.5 to 3.5. Individual programs might have different requirements, depending on the field of study.
How much does it cost for 4 years at Black Hills State University?
For in-state students, the estimated cost for four years at Black Hills State University, including tuition and fees, is approximately $30,464. Out-of-state students may incur higher expenses due to differing tuition rates.
Will I get into Black Hills State University?
With a 94% acceptance rate, most students with a solid application will likely gain admission to Black Hills State University. Factors such as GPA and coursework will be evaluated, but test scores are optional.
What are the SAT/ACT requirements for Black Hills State University?
Black Hills State University has a test-optional policy, meaning that SAT or ACT scores are not required for admission. However, if submitted, they may enhance your application profile.
What majors are popular at Black Hills State University?
Popular majors at Black Hills State University include Business Administration, Psychology, Elementary Education, and Environmental Science. These fields often attract a significant number of enrolled students and resources.
Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual
Black Hills State University isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.
Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.
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