The college in the hills: Black Hills State University

Spearfish, S.D. (KELO) –Black Hills State University has been educating students within the Black Hills for more than 142 years.

The Spearfish campus is home to more than 3,300 Students and offers 49 bachelors degrees.

Stop by Black Hills State University and the admissions team will show you everything the school, city and surrounding Black Hills have to offer.

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“You know, let us tell you about beautiful Spearfish and the beautiful Black Hills State campus and how you are a student here. You are not a number, you are a person whose interests are going to be taken into account by faculty and staff and we’re here to support you.” Admissions Assistant Director Taylor Phillips Said

BH offers students the ability to earn an education at a public university cost, while having private university class sizes.

“We have small class sizes, our faculty to student ratio is roughly 20 to 1. So when students take a class they’re not going to be in a classroom with 300 students, they’re going to be in a classroom that has somewhere between 15 to 30 students depending on what they’re pursuing. Smaller more applied areas, you’re going to have those much smaller classes with more hands-on types of activities.” BHSU President Steve Elliott Said 

“I enjoy the smaller class sizes. I’ve been able to make more friends that way, especially as a freshman and building relationships with my professors. So that way I have a comfortable environment to learn and feel free to ask questions.” BHSU Freshman Brooklyn Brooks Said

Black Hills State University also offers up degree opportunities at a Rapid City location, helping those who can’t make it to Spearfish to earn their diploma.

“Really our first step was to identify the programs that we’re able to fully offer in Rapid City. So our strategic enrollment plan theme is start here, finish here. So now we’ll have specific programs that are at the certificate, associates, bachelors, and masters degree level that are relevant to the Rapid City workforce.” Elliott Said

On the main campus, BH offers  activities, groups, and clubs to help students get the full college experience both in and out of the classroom.

“And what’s also great is that it doesn’t have to be along with your major. You know, you can be in an art club even if you’re a science student. And so with our size students are able to pursue opportunities outside of what they’re studying.” Phillips Said

One of the major selling points to Black Hills State is the surrounding opportunities the Black Hills have to offer all year long.

“I definitely spend a lot of time in the canyon, my roommate and I will just go out there and go out on drives and just soak in the scenery. I also spend a lot of time running through the canyon when I get the chance to and I’ve gone on a few hikes around the area for sure.” Brooks Said

“The ability for our faculty staff and students to work hard and play hard is really exciting. So as far as if you’re looking for an adventure, you’re looking for a place to actually get outdoors and engage with nature, this is definitely a place for you.” Elliott Said

Black Hills State has added new courses and programs for students the past few years and continues to tailor to the needs of incoming students.

Black Hills State University currently has over 3,300 students between their Spearfish and Rapid City locations, as well as those who are earning their degree online.