South Dakota Board of Regents Support Dakota Advantage Expansion,
Welcoming Minnesota, Kansas, and Missouri

BROOKINGS – Today, the South Dakota Board of Regents (BOR) approved extending the South Dakota Advantage rate to Minnesota residents beginning this summer. Regents also supported the addition of Kansas and Missouri to the South Dakota Advantage program. This existing tuition initiative targets nearby states with a demand for higher education and offers South Dakota resident rates to new out-of-state students.

Offering competitive tuition rates to students in neighboring states has proven successful for BOR universities. By expanding the South Dakota Advantage rate, the system has seen enrollment growth that has exceeded expectations and generated additional tuition revenues. The new states will join Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming in the program.

“South Dakota Advantage allows our public universities to break down another barrier to entry and showcase everything South Dakota has to offer to attract our region’s best and brightest minds,” said BOR Executive Director Nathan Lukkes. “With South Dakota’s competitive price point, exceptional academic programs, and endless career opportunities, we’re confident we can help students achieve their dreams and build a fulfilling future in our state.”

The state’s economic success relies heavily on the availability of a well-educated workforce. In South Dakota, our public universities ensure that students receive quality education and training to meet the current job market demands. As a result, nearly 30% of nonresident students choose to stay and work in the state after completing their degree.

These individuals bring the skills and knowledge required to fill high-demand roles in the healthcare, business, and technology industries. They also contribute to the growth of new businesses and start-ups, further strengthening the state’s economy. By retaining a talented and well-educated workforce, South Dakota can remain a leader in innovation and growth.

“The higher education market is growing increasingly competitive, and that trend isn’t likely to change anytime soon,” said Lukkes. “This program has proven successful thus far, and we hope this expansion will prove profitable for our universities and our state’s business community.”

The rates will go into effect for new students enrolled in the 2024 summer term and beyond. Current Minnesota students enrolled in the BOR system will continue receiving the Minnesota reciprocity rate until graduation; new incoming and transfer students will receive the South Dakota Advantage rate.