PIERRE, S.D. — Last month, South Dakota’s public university system announced an overall increase in students; the system is also proud to reveal a rise in new first-year students and new first-time South Dakotans for the current academic term. This year, the South Dakota Board of Regents (BOR) system experienced a 4.3% increase in first-time freshmen and a 4.5% increase in nonresident student enrollment, underscoring South Dakota’s position as a destination for both education and new opportunities.

During this week’s meeting, Nathan Lukkes, BOR Executive Director, praised the enrollment growth and highlighted several key areas.

“Efforts to enhance recruitment and retention and expand innovative academic programs have led to a significant increase in new enrollments in critical areas. South Dakota’s public universities are dedicated to prioritizing programs that address essential workforce needs, which is central to the system’s mission. This year, there has been a 26% increase in student enrollment in nursing programs, reflecting efforts to bridge the gap in the healthcare workforce. Another high-demand career, accounting, saw a 27% increase in program enrollment year over year. The system also experienced a rise in the next generation of educators, as teacher education program enrollment increased by 7% from 2023.”

This year’s incoming class represents a vibrant group of students eager to begin their academic journey. Many of these students, hailing from outside our borders, took the first step to becoming new South Dakotans. These new students are not just attending our universities but becoming part of our communities. With this enrollment gain, we welcome future South Dakotans who will contribute to our great state’s vitality, workforce, and economic growth.

Our universities continue to provide quality programming in high-demand career fields, all at a manageable price point, ensuring South Dakota remains an appealing choice for both in-state and out-of-state students. More and more nonresidents are choosing to study in South Dakota, and almost 30% of nonresident students stay in the state after graduation, which helps fuel the workforce and strengthen our communities.

“By choosing to study in South Dakota, students are joining a community that is committed to their success, both inside and outside the classroom,” said Lukkes. “We are proud to provide a pathway for them to succeed academically and to consider making South Dakota their home.”

South Dakota’s public university system reported a 5% overall enrollment growth in 2024, a headcount of more than 36,000 students across the six Board of Regents’ post-secondary institutions.