Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 53.00
Liaison Debbie Liddick
Submission Date April 21, 2020

STARS v2.2

Black Hills State University
PA-8: Affordability and Access

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.72 / 4.00 Deborah Liddick
AD of Facilities Services and Sustainability
Facilities Services
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Percentage of need met, on average, for students who were awarded any need-based aid :
37

Percentage of students graduating without student loan debt:
26

Percentage of entering students that are low-income:
36

Graduation/success rate for low-income students:
30

A brief description of notable policies or programs to make the institution accessible and affordable to low-income students:

BHSU places an emphasis on meeting the needs of low-income and first generation students. BHSU has a strong Student Support Services department as a part of TRIO grant funding which provides academic tutoring, advising, financial literacy, and career development support. In the South Dakota state system, BHSU has the highest percentage of PELL eligible students. BHSU offers work study employment opportunities to students. BHSU recently established an Emergency Fund for students who need assistance meeting immediate financial concerns that could disrupt their education experience.


A brief description of notable policies or programs to support non-traditional students:

The BHSU strategic plan includes a goal to create, foster and support an inclusive environment by increasing the recruitment, retention and graduation of students as represented by: Native American, Hispanic, Veteran, Adult Learner, First Generation and other ethnic, economic status and demographic groups reflective of the population in the state and region, and international students. The Veterans Affairs provides resources to Veteran students. Veteran Affairs staff aids in researching and receiving education benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the State of South Dakota, as well as state/federal organizations. We are here to offer a place for independent study and a safe atmosphere where veterans can feel free to share military experiences. More than 25 percent of BHSU students are adult learners. BHSU has numerous programs in place to support adult learners including specific orientation and communication. BHSU offers remedial classes in math, English and reading that adult learners sometimes require. BHSU a growing number of career development services to all students.


Estimated percentage of students that participate in or directly benefit from the institution’s policies and programs to support low-income and non-traditional students:
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Website URL where information about the institution’s accessibility and affordability initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.