PIERRE – Fall enrollment at South Dakota’s six public universities is down about 2 percent in full-time equivalent students, the South Dakota Board of Regents reported Thursday.
The number of full-time equivalent (FTE) students for the Fall 2018 term – based on total credit hours generated by all students within the regents’ system – was down by 540.8 students to a total of 26,092.9. Total headcount at the six public universities was 35,737, a decline of 2.5 percent or 925 students over last year.
South Dakota State University’s total headcount is down by 420 students, or 3.35 percent, from this time last year. Fall 2017 enrollment was 12,527, compared to Fall 2018 enrollment of 12,107.
SDSU’s full-time equivalent is down 3.02 percent, or 305.6 students. Fall 2017 FTE was reported at 10,108, compared to Fall 2018 FTE of 9,802.4.
This year marks the 10th consecutive year SDSU has had an enrollment over 12,000 students.
“Certainly experiencing a decline in enrollment is not what we hoped, but we continue to position the university for a strong future,” SDSU President Barry Dunn said. “The implementation of our new strategic plan, Imagine 2023, and launch of our strategic enrollment management plan this fall will provide the direction and momentum to move SDSU forward both in maintaining quality academic programs and enrollment.”
Dunn noted the strategic enrollment management plan emphasizes growth through effective student recruitment, retention and success initiatives consistent with Imagine 2023, the university’s five-year strategic plan. The strategic enrollment plan focuses on five key themes of promotion of SDSU, fiscal health and financial aid, quality academic programs and experiences, student success and diversity.
“The roadmap this plan provides will align university resources to best serve our state and region,” Dunn said. “Recruiting, retaining and ultimately graduating more students to make a difference in the world involves everyone at the university, and we welcome that opportunity.”
The university has already started implementing pieces of the plan that includes expanding the reach and depth of prospective student recruitment in the state of South Dakota and other markets. The SDSU Foundation, through the efforts of donors, has contributed additional scholarship dollars to award to students.
According to the BOR numbers, 48 percent of the enrollment decline at SDSU was from a drop in international students and transfer students. First-time freshmen dropped 92 students from last year to 2,181, but still within range of the university’s strategic target of 2,200 first-time freshmen each year.
“Overall, our incoming class of first-time students remains relatively strong,” Dunn said. “Nationally, universities have experienced declines in international students and also transfers. The strength of the overall economy, particularly in South Dakota, has impacted students’ interest in transferring to obtain a four-year degree. We have already begun initiatives that will help attract and retain more students to our university.”
One area of increase in student enrollment was the number of dual-credit students. Dual credit is an opportunity for high school students to enroll in college courses at SDSU. This year, 622 students enrolled in dual-credit courses while in high school compared to 497 last year.
In contrast to system enrollment trends, Dakota State University at Madison reported growth in both its headcount (2.27 percent) and FTE (2.42 percent). The University of South Dakota at Vermillion also grew its FTE count by 23 students.
The system’s two West River schools showed the greatest enrollment percentage declines. Total headcount was down 4.46 percent at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and down 3.42 percent at Black Hills State University.
“In a strong economy, potential students often choose work over education, particularly if they simply do not have the sources of money and support they need,” said Paul B. Beran, the regents’ executive director and CEO. “Many of our students struggle with the costs of a college education. That’s why we are developing plans to present to the governor and legislature for scholarship and need-based financial aid support that will make higher education a reality for more students.”
