Head-to-head · 2026
Black Hills State University vs University of Sioux Falls
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for Black Hills State University, 4 for University of Sioux Falls — University of Sioux Falls 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 | University of Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.33 ✓ | 6.37 |
| Avg net price | $15,911 ✓ | $21,383 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $46,674 | $54,521 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 96.3% | 82.9% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 42.6% | 62.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $23,249 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,928 | 1,218 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1087 | — |
| Wins | 2 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Sioux Falls costs $5,472 more per year than Black Hills State University ($21,383 vs $15,911). University of Sioux Falls graduates report $7,847 higher median earnings after ten years ($54,521 vs $46,674). On EduGradify's model that puts Black Hills State University ahead on projected ROI (7.33 vs 6.37, 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 is accessible at 96.3% acceptance versus 82.9% (accessible) at University of Sioux Falls.
Frequently asked
Black Hills State University vs University of Sioux Falls, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Black Hills State University or University of Sioux Falls the better value?
Black Hills State University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (7.33 vs 6.37), 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 $21,383 at University of Sioux Falls. The annual difference of $5,472 adds up to about $21,888 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Sioux Falls reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $54,521 vs $46,674 at Black Hills State University. The annual gap in the federal data is $7,847.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Sioux Falls is more selective at 82.9% 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; University of Sioux Falls reports C.