South Dakota’s technical college system is experiencing a five-year high in headcount, with 7,407 students enrolled in one of the state’s four technical colleges this fall. Numbers are bolstered by a strong class of first-year students and high retention rates among returning students.
“Technical education leads to high-paying jobs and meaningful careers for our graduates,” said South Dakota Board of Technical Education Executive Director Nick Wendell. “The industries and communities throughout our state benefit from the strength of the technical colleges in South Dakota.”
Much of the growth comes from increasing enrollment in programs related to healthcare, building trades, public safety, and manufacturing. In partnership with the South Dakota legislature, the technical college system has frozen tuition and fees paid by students over the past three academic years. This effort has led to even greater affordability for students and graduates.
“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,” said Wendell.
South Dakota’s technical college system includes Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, Mitchell Technical College in Mitchell, Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, and Western Dakota Technical College in Rapid City.