Enrollment grows at South Dakota technical colleges

Western Dakota Technical College. (Courtesy of WDTC)

South Dakota’s four technical colleges have a collective enrollment of 7,407 students this fall, which is a five-year high, according to the state Board of Technical Education.

“Technical education leads to high-paying jobs and meaningful careers for our graduates,” said the board’s Executive Director Nick Wendell in a news release . “The industries and communities throughout our state benefit from the strength of the technical colleges in South Dakota.”

This year’s enrollment is a 7% increase over last year.

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Enrollment grew at all four institutions:

• Lake Area Technical College, Watertown: 2,312 students (+6.1%).
• Mitchell Technical College: 1,237 students (+5.1%).
• Southeast Technical College, Sioux Falls: 2,659 students (+7.3%).
• Western Dakota Technical College, Rapid City: 1,199 students (+10.8%).

The state board said the jump in enrollment is attributed to several factors, including a strong influx of first-year students and higher retention rates among returning students. The growth is especially notable in programs related to health care, building trades, public safety and manufacturing.

To further support students, the South Dakota Legislature partnered with the technical college system to freeze tuition and fees over the past three academic years.

“The consistent growth of our system demonstrates the number of South Dakota students and families who recognize technical education as an opportunity to learn here, get an outstanding job, and contribute to the future of our state,” Wendell said.

A past enrollment report available from the Board of Technical Education seems to indicate this year’s enrollment number is the highest since at least 2009, rather than merely a five-year high as reported in the board’s news release. South Dakota Searchlight sought clarification from the board, which has not yet provided it.

Enrollment numbers include students taking classes full-time, part-time and through dual enrollment, such as high school students taking classes for dual credit.

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