Fall enrollment up slightly at South Dakota State University

Enrollment is up slightly this year at South Dakota State University.

Figures released today by the South Dakota Board of Regents show enrollment at South Dakota State University is 11,465 students, an increase of 60 students from last year. Graduate student enrollment increased by more than 200 students, and retention of first- to second-year students remains high at 80%.

SDSU president Barry Dunn says they are encouraged by the overall enrollment. He says the 80% retention for a second straight year is a strong indication of the quality of education that SDSU students receive and their efforts to ensure their success and keep them on track to graduate.

New students at the undergraduate level remained steady from last year. First-time student headcount includes 2,021 freshmen enrolling at SDSU, while transfer students increased by 30 to 476. Graduate school numbers are up by 208 to 1,406 students. Total credit hours dropped slightly from last year.

Over 55% of SDSU’s total student population are South Dakota residents with 6,330 enrolled, an increase of 121 from from 2020.

System-wide, the headcount was down by 121 students which is less than half a percent. Total enrollment at the six state-run universities is 33,445.

September 24, 2021