Head-to-head · 2026
Black Hills State University vs South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for Black Hills State University, 5 for South Dakota School of Mines and Technology — South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Black Hills State University | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.33 | 8.95 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $15,911 ✓ | $20,183 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $46,674 | $72,257 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 96.3% | 79.9% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 42.6% | 53% ✓ |
| Median debt | $26,000 ✓ | $27,000 |
| Enrollment | 1,928 | 2,071 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1087 | 1245 ✓ |
| Wins | 2 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology costs $4,272 more per year than Black Hills State University ($20,183 vs $15,911). South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates report $25,583 higher median earnings after ten years ($72,257 vs $46,674). On EduGradify's model that puts South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ahead on projected ROI (8.95 vs 7.33, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (South Dakota School of Mines and Technology) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Black Hills State University is accessible at 96.3% acceptance versus 79.9% (accessible) at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
Frequently asked
Black Hills State University vs South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Black Hills State University or South Dakota School of Mines and Technology the better value?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.95 vs 7.33), 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 $20,183 at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. The annual difference of $4,272 adds up to about $17,088 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $72,257 vs $46,674 at Black Hills State University. The annual gap in the federal data is $25,583.
Which school is harder to get into?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is more selective at 79.9% acceptance vs 96.3% at Black Hills State University.
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; South Dakota School of Mines and Technology reports B.