BSC-Bismarck vs Black Hills State University (BHSU)
Bismarck State College and Black Hills State University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Bismarck State College, nestled in the heart of North Dakota, boasts an acceptance rate of 100%, welcoming students from all backgrounds. Black Hills State University, located in the picturesque Black Hills of South Dakota, maintains a slightly more selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 88%. While Bismarck State College primarily focuses on associate degrees and certificates, Black Hills State University offers a wider range of academic programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Explore the comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details about these institutions, including popular majors, student body demographics, graduation rates, and more, to help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.
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![]() Bismarck State College |
![]() Black Hills State University |
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Overview |
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Location | Bismarck, North Dakota | Spearfish, South Dakota |
Campus setting | City: Small | Town: Distant |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 61.0% | |
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No | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | Open Admission | 97.3% |
Application fees | $35 |
Undergraduate:
$20
Graduate:
$35
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SAT range | N/A | 970 - 1150 |
ACT range | N/A | 18 - 23 |
Students submitting SAT score | 6.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 79.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 1,382 | |
Total number of admissions given out | 1,344 | |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 452 | |
Yield rate | 33.6% | |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | |
High school GPA | N/A | Required |
Recommendation letters | N/A | Not required |
High school transcript | N/A | Required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | N/A | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$16,883
Out of state:
$18,887
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In state:
$22,100
Out of state:
$25,200
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Average net price | $10,249 | $15,895 |
Tuition |
In state:
$4,007
Out of state:
$6,011
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In state:
$7,700
Out of state:
$10,800
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$3,649
Meal plan:
$3,808
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Room/dormitory:
$3,680
Meal plan:
$3,622
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
61.0%
Average amount $3,903 |
89.0%
Average amount $4,736 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
43.0%
Average amount $4,890 |
58.0%
Average amount $4,966 |
Students taking out private loans |
8.0%
Average amount $8,086 |
11.0%
Average amount $9,709 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
3,549
Men 52.5% Women 47.5% |
3,346
Men 36.8% Women 63.2% |
Graduate students | N/A |
193
Men 34.2% Women 65.8% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
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Very Low
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Out-of-state students | 5.2% | N/A |
International students | 0.4% | 1.5% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | Town: Distant |
Dormitory capacity | 425 | 811 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | North Dakota Minnesota South Dakota Montana Iowa | N/A |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 14:1 | 17:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 52.6% | 42.5% |
Dropout rate | 26.1% | 55.3% |
Transferred out | 13.7% | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees)
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees)
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
Agricultural Business and Management (Associate's Degrees)
Business/Commerce, General (Associate's Degrees)
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees)
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services (Associate's Degrees)
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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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