Enrollment numbers at South Dakota Board of Regent schools have generally increased in 2023, with total enrollment up 2% compared to the previous year.
First-time freshmen enrollment also saw a system-wide increase of 2.6%, marking the largest incoming class in a decade.
Dakota State University experienced the most significant growth with an 8.3% increase in total enrollment.
Northern State University also reported positive enrollment numbers and notable growth in transfer students and graduate programs.
Other universities, including Black Hills State University, South Dakota State University, and the University of South Dakota, saw slight overall enrollment increases.
However, the South Dakota School of Mines struggled, with stagnant overall enrollment and a 7.8% decrease in first-time freshmen.