Pierre, SD—For the third consecutive year, South Dakota’s public universities are witnessing an increase in overall enrollments as more students and families recognize the value of a college degree and the cost advantages the state’s public institutions offer. The South Dakota Board of Regents (BOR) reports a six-year high in student headcount, attributed to an increase in first-year students and strong retention within the state’s public university system.
| BHSU | DSU | NSU | SDM | SDSU | USD | SYSTEM | |
| Fall 2024 Headcount | 3,346 | 3,774 | 3,708 | 2,579 | 12,065 | 10,619 | 36,091 |
| Percent Different
Compared to Fall 2023 |
-3.7% | 7.6% | 5.3% | 3.4% | 4.9% | 7.6% | 5.0% |
| Fall 2024 Total Credit Hours | 30,844 | 33,935 | 27,011 | 31,202 | 142,812 | 111,320 | 377,124 |
| Percent Different
Compared to Fall 2023 |
-1.6% | 6.6% | 6.4% | 3.1% | 4.4% | 5.7% | 4.5% |
“Postsecondary attainment continues to be a key driver of career success and personal development,” said BOR Executive Director Nathan Lukkes. “Our graduates enter the workforce equipped with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to excel in their chosen professions for a lifetime.”
The increase in enrollments at South Dakota’s public universities is a testament to the value students and families place on the state’s high-quality universities. As more students choose to pursue their degrees at these institutions, South Dakota is positioned to benefit from a more educated workforce, stronger communities, and a brighter future for all.
This growth comes at a time when South Dakota’s public universities are committed to making quality education financially accessible. Due to virtually flat tuition rates for the past five years, students and their families can plan for higher education with greater financial certainty. In fact, this year’s graduating class is paying the same price per credit hour as they were in their first year, based on a four-year graduation plan. With stable tuition rates, students can focus on their future without the added pressure of rising costs, allowing them to graduate with less debt and more opportunities.
“The commitment to making higher education accessible by our governor, legislature, universities, and Board of Regents is steadfast,” said BOR President Tim Rave. “The partnership between these entities ensures that South Dakota’s first-rate public universities remain among the most cost-effective options in the country.”
This increase reflects a growing confidence in the benefits of higher education and the caliber of the programs South Dakota’s public universities provide.
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