Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Black Hills State University

Spearfish, SD

Total Enrollment

3,475

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

91 programs

Full-Time Students

1,579

1,700 part-time

Total FTE

2,267

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

17:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

Certificate Graduates

Short-term specialized training

521

Total Recent Graduates

Black Hills State University serves 3,475 students, providing focused education with personalized instruction and hands-on learning. The school offers 91 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 1,579 (48.2%)

48.2%

Part-Time Students 1,700 (51.8%)

51.8%

Total Students 3,279

Majority part-time students (51.8%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time

Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (45.4%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Women

63.8%

2,216 students

Men

36.2%

1,259 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

White

77.7%

2,700 students

White

77.7% (2,700)

Hispanic/Latino

4.1% (141)

American Indian/Alaska Native

3.2% (111)

Black/African American

1.9% (67)

Two or More Races

1.8% (64)

International Students

1.6% (55)

Asian

0.7% (26)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.1% (3)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (64%) across 3,475 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 78% of the student body (2,700 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 64% of students.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

3,279 students

37% Men, 63% Women

1,579 Full-time 1,700 Part-time

Diversity Index: 36% • Minority Students: 10%

Graduate students

196 students

24% Men, 76% Women

18 Full-time 178 Part-time

Diversity Index: 56% • Minority Students: 4%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

1,597

All full-time students

548 men, 1,049 women

Diversity: 35%

FT Undergraduate

1,579

Full-time undergraduate

543 men, 1,036 women

Diversity: 35%

FT Degree-Seeking

1,552

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

537 men, 1,015 women

Diversity: 34%

FT First-Time

453

Full-time first-time students

161 men, 292 women

Diversity: 50%

FT Continuing

1,099

Full-time continuing students

376 men, 723 women

Diversity: 27%

FT Transfer

114

Full-time transfer students

51 men, 63 women

Diversity: 56%

FT Continuing

985

Full-time other continuing

325 men, 660 women

Diversity: 22%

FT Non-Degree

Full-time non-degree seeking

6 men, 21 women

Diversity: 57%

FT Graduate

Full-time graduate students

5 men, 13 women

Diversity: 45%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

1,878

All part-time students

711 men, 1,167 women

Diversity: 41%

PT Undergraduate

1,700

Part-time undergraduate

669 men, 1,031 women

Diversity: 37%

PT Degree-Seeking

383

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

115 men, 268 women

Diversity: 38%

PT First-Time

Part-time first-time students

9 men, 27 women

Diversity: 64%

PT Continuing

347

Part-time continuing students

106 men, 241 women

Diversity: 34%

PT Transfer

Part-time transfer students

12 men, 33 women

Diversity: 66%

PT Continuing

302

Part-time other continuing

94 men, 208 women

Diversity: 26%

PT Non-Degree

1,317

Part-time non-degree seeking

554 men, 763 women

Diversity: 37%

PT Graduate

178

Part-time graduate students

42 men, 136 women

Diversity: 56%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

2,599

White

Black/African American

140

Hispanic/Latino

Asian

International

Diversity Index: 36% Minority Students: 10%

Graduate students

101

White

Black/African American

Hispanic/Latino

Asian

International

Diversity Index: 56% Minority Students: 4%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

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Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Black Hills State University

College Overview

General information

Programs & Degrees

Available study options

Admissions

Requirements & process

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Black Hills State University's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large institution with 3,475 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Study Patterns: Flexible scheduling with many part-time students balancing work and education.

• Academic Intensity: 2,267 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.

• Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.

• Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (17:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.

• Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.

• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.

• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

8002552478

Address

1200 University St

Spearfish, SD 57799-9500

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

• Working adults seeking career changes
• Recent high school graduates
• Military veterans using education benefits
• Students upgrading skills in their field
• Individuals seeking fast-track credentials