Black Hills State University is a masters-level state university with 4,500 students. The campus leads the region in sustainability efforts and maintains top academic programs in business (AACSB), exercise science, natural sciences, social sciences, the arts, mass communication, health sciences and education.

The university, founded in 1883, is located in the northern Black Hills, a region abundant with outdoor activity and culture. Spearfish, S.D., is recognized as one of the top 10 most livable small town in the USA and has also been recognized nationally for outdoor recreational opportunities.

A second location, BHSU-RC, was recently established in Rapid City, the state’s second largest city.