Black Hills State University

What are the graduation rates for students at Black Hills State University?

Graduation rates at Black Hills State University are notably below the national average, with an overall completion rate of 39%, placing the institution in the bottom 20% of comparable colleges. Male students graduate at a much lower rate of 25%, ranking in the bottom 10%, while female students graduate at a rate of 46%, which remains low but comparatively better than their male counterparts.

The university's four-year graduation rate stands at 25%, again categorized as low and within the bottom 20%. The six-year graduation rate improves slightly to 40%, yet still remains in the bottom 25% nationwide. These figures indicate many students take longer than the typical four years to complete their degrees or do not graduate at all.

Retention rates at the university are moderate, with 72% of first-year students returning for a second year. This statistic is considered average but still lags behind many institutions, placing Black Hills State University in the lower 45% nationally.

Although detailed graduation rates by specific majors are not provided, the overall data suggest challenges in degree completion rates across programs. Prospective students should consider these trends when evaluating their academic plans and support systems at the university.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Black Hills State University?

Graduates of Black Hills State University experience a varied range of earnings depending on their chosen field of study. Among the degrees with available data, those in Special Education and Teaching earn approximately $38,787, reflecting one of the stronger earning potentials within education-related programs. Similarly, graduates specializing in Teacher Education and Professional Development-whether focused on specific levels and methods or particular subject areas-earn close to this range, with averages of $36,857 and $37,943 respectively.

Business-related degrees also offer competitive returns, with graduates in Business Administration, Management and Operations reporting an average income of $36,641. In social and behavioral sciences, students who majored in Community Organization and Advocacy or Sociology can expect earnings of $29,934 and $29,825, respectively, while those who pursued Psychology report a somewhat lower figure near $28,162.

Science majors such as Biology yield average earnings around $25,935, whereas graduates in Communication and Media Studies enter the workforce with about $25,611 in earnings. Those holding degrees in Health and Physical Education/Fitness tend to have starting or early career salaries averaging $21,080, which is comparatively lower than other fields with available data.