South Dakota Public Universities welcome new class of students, reflecting strong enrollment across the system

DSU also saw strong growth in out-of-state enrollment, with an increase approaching 10%, one of the largest gains among the state's public universities. Students from beyond South Dakota are increasingly choosing DSU for its nationally recognized programs in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other technology-focused fields.

That national reach brings new talent and expertise to South Dakota while strengthening the state's position in fields that are increasingly important to its economy and security. As a national hub for cybersecurity and emerging technologies, DSU gives students opportunities to build advanced skills while connecting South Dakota to a growing network of technology leaders. Those students and graduates bring that expertise home, strengthening the state's workforce and helping address its technology and cybersecurity needs.

Northern State University

Northern State University is seeing one of the strongest increases in first-time freshman enrollment across the system, with its incoming class growing by more than 25% compared with fall 2025. The university welcomed more than 350 first-time freshmen this fall, adding to continued growth in overall enrollment.

That growth reflects NSU's strong connection to northeastern South Dakota and the surrounding region. The university provides students with an accessible, high-quality education while preparing them for careers close to home.

Overall enrollment at NSU now stands at nearly 4,000 students, marking the highest enrollment in the university's history. The milestone reflects growing interest from students who want a college experience that combines personal connections with opportunities to build a future in South Dakota.

South Dakota Mines

South Dakota Mines begins the fall term with nearly 2,500 students, including a first-time freshman class approaching 500. The incoming class is up from last year, continuing the university's strong appeal to students interested in engineering, science, and technology.

SDM also welcomed nearly 80 transfer students this fall, a milestone that marks the university's largest transfer class since 2017. The growth shows that students are choosing Mines not only as a starting point for their college education, but also as a place to continue their studies and prepare for careers in STEM fields.

Students at Mines are preparing for careers in fields that are helping shape South Dakota's future. They gain practical experience through hands-on learning, research, and industry partnerships, preparing them to tackle real-world challenges in areas such as energy, manufacturing, technology, and defense.

South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University remains the state's largest public university, sustaining an enrollment of nearly 12,000 students for the third consecutive year. SDSU also welcomed more than 2,250 first-time freshmen this fall, a class size that ranks among the top five in university history.

A significant share of SDSU's students continues to come from South Dakota, with its resident student population approaching 7,000.

As South Dakota's land-grant university, SDSU combines education, research, and outreach to serve students and communities statewide. The university's ability to attract South Dakota students and retain them through graduation makes SDSU an important part of the state's talent pipeline.

University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota begins the fall term with more than 10,000 students for the third consecutive year, including nearly 1,200 first-time freshmen across its Vermillion and Sioux Falls campuses.

USD's comprehensive mission includes preparing students for careers across South Dakota while educating the state's next generation of healthcare professionals, attorneys, business leaders, educators, and public servants.

The university's professional programs continue to play a particularly important role in that mission, with more than 250 students enrolled in the Knudson School of Law and more than 650 students enrolled in graduate-level health education programs. Enrollment in graduate business programs has increased by almost 30% since 2022, with total enrollment across the Beacom School of Business reaching an all-time high this fall.

Through its law, business, health sciences, and other professional programs, USD helps build the highly educated workforce South Dakota needs while giving students opportunities to stay connected to the state.

Six universities. One statewide mission.

While enrollment trends vary across institutions, the six universities share a common purpose: creating opportunities for students and building the talent South Dakota needs.

Together, the public universities provide pathways into fields ranging from cybersecurity and artificial intelligence to engineering, agriculture, healthcare, law, education, business, and leadership.

"Enrollment is one measure of the health of our universities, but the larger story is what those students are preparing to do," said BOR Executive Director Nathan Lukkes. "They are preparing to become teachers, engineers, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and leaders. Our universities are not only educating students, but they are helping build the workforce and communities that will carry South Dakota forward."

The South Dakota Board of Regents publishes enrollment numbers at the beginning of each academic year.