South Dakota partners are celebrating the annual Free College Application Period, a key initiative to increase awareness of higher education opportunities across the state. Beginning Oct. 1 through Nov. 30, high school seniors can apply to South Dakota’s public universities and technical colleges free of charge.
This joint effort of the South Dakota Board of Regents (BOR), the South Dakota Board of Technical Education (BOTE), and the South Dakota Department of Education (DOE) is a testament to the collective commitment to promoting a culture of higher education in our state. South Dakota aims to increase college awareness by eliminating application fees, ensuring more students can access the state’s top-tier educational opportunities.
“Access and affordability are central to our mission,” said BOR Executive Director Nathan Lukkes. “We aim to boost the number of students interested in pursuing higher education in South Dakota. The free application period removes a financial barrier and encourages students to explore all the opportunities available at our public universities and technical colleges.”
South Dakota’s post-secondary institutions support the state’s commitment to growing higher education enrollment, all offering unique pathways to success:
- Black Hills State University
- Dakota State University
- Lake Area Technical College
- Mitchell Technical College
- Northern State University
- South Dakota Mines
- South Dakota State University
- Southeast Technical College
- University of South Dakota
- Western Dakota Technical College
“By making it more accessible for students to apply, we’re fostering greater participation in higher education,” said Secretary of Education Joseph Graves. “We know that a more educated workforce strengthens South Dakota’s economy, and we want our students to realize the career opportunities available to them through higher education right here at home.”
The Free College Application Period is a crucial part of the broader effort to increase post-secondary enrollment and ensure that students across South Dakota have the resources and support to pursue their academic and career goals.