Black Hills State vs Northern State
Side by side: Mass and confession times, faith grades, academics, cost after aid and outcomes.
CCatholic life: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.Black Hills State UniversitySpearfish, SDCatholic life on campusNorthern State UniversityAberdeen, SDCatholic life on campus
At a glance
- Black Hills State lists Mass once a week.
- Northern State has the higher graduation rate: 49% against 43% at Black Hills State.
- Median debt is lower at Northern State: $22,320, against $26,000 at Black Hills State.
Catholic life
Faith or Catholic life grade
CCatholic life: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Compass Score
CCompass Score: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Mass times
Once a week
Campus ministry
1 listed
2 listed
The college
Control
Public
Public
Location
Spearfish, SD
Aberdeen, SD
Setting
Town
Town
Students
3,475
3,521
Academics
Academic Excellence grade
DAcademic Excellence: Limited (grade D): 40 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
DAcademic Excellence: Limited (grade D): 40 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Admission rate
96%
93%
Average SAT
1087
1089
ACT middle 50%
18–24
18–24
Graduation rate
43%
49%
First-year retention
72%
77%
Cost and outcomes
Average net price a year
$15,911
$15,812
Net price, up to $30,000 income
$11,863
$10,762
Net price, $30,001–$48,000 income
$13,379
$12,087
Net price, $48,001–$75,000 income
$15,588
$15,293
Net price, $75,001–$110,000 income
$18,072
$18,372
Net price, over $110,000 income
$18,604
$17,933
Median debt
$26,000
$22,320
Median earnings 10 years after entry
$46,674
$47,618
The grades and the Compass Score are Catholic School Compass ratings from documented sources; each college’s page lists its sources. Cost, admission, graduation, earnings and debt are federal data. This page does not rank the two colleges.