South Dakota colleges keep filling the classrooms

More freshmen college students chose to enroll in South Dakota public universities this year, while newly released enrollment data also show record-setting growth for a private college in Sioux Falls.

The South Dakota Board of Regents announced Thursday that the six public education institutions it oversees enrolled more than 35,000 students this fall for the third consecutive year, with overall headcount holding steady while first-time freshman enrollment continued to grow.

“Enrollment is more than a number. It reflects students choosing their futures, families investing in education, and communities preparing for the talent they need,” Board of Regents President Jeff Partridge said in a statement unveiling the 2026-27 enrollment numbers, which show more than 5,000 first-time freshmen enrolled in the regental system, which consists of the University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University, South Dakota School of Mines, Black Hills State University, Northern State University and Dakota State University. “Each of our six universities plays a distinct role in that effort. Together, they give students the opportunity to pursue an education that fits their goals while preparing them to contribute to their communities and to South Dakota’s future.”