Black Hills State University vs University of Pennsylvania

Spearfish, SD — Philadelphia, PA

Metric
Black Hills State University
Spearfish, SD
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Location Spearfish, SD Philadelphia, PA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 1,928 10,650
Acceptance Rate 96.3% 5.4%
SAT Average 1,087 1,553
In-State Tuition $8,764 $68,686
Out-of-State Tuition $11,866 $68,686
Avg Net Price $15,911 $28,699
Median Debt at Graduation $26,000 $15,715
4-Year Graduation Rate 40.5% 96.7%
Retention Rate 71.7% 98.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $38,927 $90,555
Median Earnings (10 yr) $46,674 $111,371
Loan Repayment Rate 219600.0% 202200.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Black Hills State University
Spearfish, SD
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University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Black Hills State University and University of Pennsylvania compare?
Black Hills State University (Spearfish, SD) has an acceptance rate of 96.3%, in-state tuition of $8,764, and median 10-year earnings of $46,674. University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) has an acceptance rate of 5.4%, in-state tuition of $68,686, and median 10-year earnings of $111,371.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Black Hills State University or University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $111,371 vs $46,674. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Black Hills State University or University of Pennsylvania?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Black Hills State University is the more affordable option at $15,911 per year versus $28,699.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of Pennsylvania has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 96.7% vs 40.5%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025