RAPID CITY, S.D. – Enrollment at South Dakota’s four technical colleges has reached a record high, according to the latest fall enrollment report reviewed by the State Board of Technical Education.
Total enrollment increased by 39 students from last year to a record 7,813 students across degree-seeking, dual-credit, and non-degree programs. The growth comes as South Dakota’s public universities reported an enrollment decline of nearly 300 students.
While overall technical college enrollment increased, dual-credit enrollment saw a slight decline statewide, dropping by 53 students. Most of that decrease came from Western Dakota Technical College in Rapid City, where dual-credit enrollment fell from 411 students to 279.
Western Dakota President Kendra Ericson said the decline appears to be linked to several factors, including fewer in-person classes in some school districts, competition from other colleges and universities, and rising costs for families following changes to the state’s dual-credit funding structure.
Despite the drop in dual-credit participation, Ericson said the college has seen an 8 percent increase in degree-seeking students and remains confident it is meeting the needs of local school districts and students.
Statewide, health sciences continues to be the most popular field of study at technical colleges, while information technology programs saw enrollment declines, with educators citing uncertainty surrounding the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in the workforce.
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