Head-to-head · 2026
Black Hills State University vs Northern State University
Compare average net price ($15,911 at Black Hills State University; $15,812 at Northern State University), ROI score (7.33 vs 7.53), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($46,674 vs $47,618), and admissions selectivity (96.3% acceptance at Black Hills State University; 93% at Northern State University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Black Hills State University | Northern State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 7.33 | 7.53 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $15,911 | $15,812 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $63,644 | $63,248 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $8,764 | $8,845 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $11,866 | $11,947 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $46,674 | $47,618 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 96.3% | 93% |
| Graduation rate | 42.6% | 48.9% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 71.7% | 77% ✓ |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $22,320 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,928 | 1,273 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1087 | 1089 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Black Hills State University | Northern State University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $11,863 | $10,762 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $13,379 | $12,087 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $15,588 | $15,293 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $18,072 ✓ | $18,372 |
| Family income $110k+ | $18,604 | $17,933 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Black Hills State University | Northern State University |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 16.1% | 7.1% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 14.2% | 8.4% |
| Biology, General | 8.3% | 9.1% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 5% | 10.1% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 7.2% | 6.2% |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 3.7% | 8.1% |
| Psychology, General | 4.8% | 4.2% |
| Special Education and Teaching | 1.7% | 4.7% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Northern State University reports the lower average net price by $99 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $396 difference over four years ($63,248 vs $63,644).
Northern State University reports $944 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($47,618 vs $46,674). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 71.7% at Black Hills State University and 77% at Northern State University. Median federal debt among completers is $26,000 vs $22,320, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
Related college comparisons
Promoted matchups involving the same colleges or other leading schools in their states.
Frequently asked
Black Hills State University vs Northern State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Northern State University is cheaper — average net price $15,812 per year vs $15,911 at Black Hills State University. The annual difference of $99 adds up to about $396 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Northern State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $47,618 vs $46,674 at Black Hills State University. The gap in the federal data is $944. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Northern State University is more selective at 93% acceptance vs 96.3% at Black Hills State University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.