Head-to-head · 2026
Black Hills State University vs Lake Area Technical College
Compare average net price ($15,911 at Black Hills State University; $15,979 at Lake Area Technical College), ROI score (7.33 vs 7.11), ten-year median earnings ($46,674 vs $45,473), and admissions context (96.3% at Black Hills State University; Open / not reported at Lake Area Technical College) using federal College Scorecard data. Black Hills State University has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Black Hills State University has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Black Hills State University | Lake Area Technical College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.33 ✓ | 7.11 |
| Avg net price | $15,911 ✓ | $15,979 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $46,674 ✓ | $45,473 |
| Acceptance rate | 96.3% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 42.6% | 73.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $12,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,928 | 1,812 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1087 | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Lake Area Technical College costs $68 more per year than Black Hills State University ($15,979 vs $15,911). Black Hills State University graduates report $1,201 higher median earnings after ten years ($46,674 vs $45,473). On EduGradify's model that puts Black Hills State University ahead on projected ROI (7.33 vs 7.11, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Black Hills State University) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Black Hills State University reports 96.3% acceptance; Lake Area Technical College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Black Hills State University vs Lake Area Technical College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Black Hills State University or Lake Area Technical College the better value?
Black Hills State University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (7.33 vs 7.11), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Black Hills State University is cheaper — average net price $15,911 per year vs $15,979 at Lake Area Technical College. The annual difference of $68 adds up to about $272 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Black Hills State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $46,674 vs $45,473 at Lake Area Technical College. The annual gap in the federal data is $1,201.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Black Hills State University reports a C value grade; Lake Area Technical College reports C.