Black Hills State University is a state institution established under a provision of the territorial legislature in 1883. It is supported by the state of South Dakota and by tuition and fees from the student body. Legislative appropriations are made annually. Student tuition and fees are determined by the South Dakota Board of Regents who normally meet once every other month.

Black Hills State University is maintained by the state of South Dakota for the primary purpose of preparing qualified teachers for the public schools. It is the only comprehensive four year institution in Western South Dakota authorized to grant a liberal arts degree, and also offers business, pre-professional and vocational curricula. Black Hills State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. It is also accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teachers. The University is also an institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

Dakota Territorial Normal School was founded in 1883. Approximately $800 was raised for the purchase of 40 acres of land. The Dakota Territorial Normal School at Spearfish became a reality in 1883, and by 1885 was known as Spearfish Normal. By 1922, State Normal began to offer four-year degrees. In 1941, the college was renamed Black Hills Teachers College, to Black Hills State College in 1964, and to Black Hills State University in 1989.
http://www.bhsu.edu/AboutBHSU/BHSUHistory/tabid/85/Default.aspx