Spearfish Canyon opens just outside town, and the Black Hills rise behind the campus. Black Hills State University, founded in 1883, is a small public university in western South Dakota. It teaches business, education, biology, outdoor education and mass communication. Science students can also get involved with the Sanford Underground Research Facility, built in the old Homestake gold mine at nearby Lead.
Spearfish, South Dakota, United States
Official website: bhsu.edu
1883
Public university, South Dakota Board of Regents
Spearfish, northern Black Hills
$12,000 – $15,000
International students, undergraduate tuition and fees
$10,000 – $12,500
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on bhsu.edu before you apply.
BS Business Administration
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Biology
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Outdoor Education
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Mass Communication
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
Mountain biking, climbing and skiing close to campus.
Links to underground physics research at Sanford Lab.
Small classes at a low public price.
Graduates work in tourism, education, business and public services in the region.
Science students can join research connected to Sanford Lab.
F-1 graduates can apply for OPT after their degree.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Spearfish is a small, outdoorsy town off Interstate 90 with a walkable Main Street. Spearfish Creek runs through the city park near campus.
Rapid City is under an hour east, and Mount Rushmore is about 90 minutes away. Winters are cold but often sunny, and rent is cheap.
Form I-20 issued by Black Hills State University
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Black Hills State admits international students on a rolling basis. Apply three to four months before the semester, to leave time for the I-20 and the visa appointment.
Students can start in August or January.
International students come in on an F-1 visa. The I-20 comes from Black Hills State University after you confirm your place and show you can cover a year of costs; you then pay the SEVIS fee, fill in the DS-160 and book your consulate interview.
Business administration, biology, outdoor education and mass communication are popular. Entry needs secondary school completion and English at around TOEFL 61 or IELTS 6.0.
The university offers some scholarships to international students, and tuition is lower than at most US universities. Check the scholarship page for current awards.
