BROOKINGS — The South Dakota Board of Regents on Wednesday approved extending the South Dakota Advantage tuition rate to Minnesota residents beginning this summer. Regents also supported the addition of Kansas and Missouri to the South Dakota Advantage program. This existing tuition initiative targets nearby states with a demand for higher education and offers South Dakota resident rates to new out-of-state students. 

Offering competitive tuition rates to students in neighboring states has proven successful for South Dakota universities. By expanding the South Dakota Advantage rate, the system has seen enrollment growth that has exceeded expectations and generated additional tuition revenues. The new states will join Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming in the program.

South Dakota State University President Barry Dunn released a statement applauding the decision. 

“We are extremely excited to offer new students from Minnesota and other neighboring states a very competitive rate to attend South Dakota State University and receive the benefits of higher education from a premier land-grant university with more than 85 different majors,” Dunn said. “Land-grant universities provide access to higher education for those who qualify, and a major component of that access is making it affordable for the students and their families.

“South Dakota Advantage allows our public universities to break down another barrier to entry and showcase everything South Dakota has to offer to attract our region's best and brightest minds," Regents Executive Director Nathan Lukkes said. "With South Dakota’s competitive price point, exceptional academic programs, and endless career opportunities, we're confident we can help students achieve their dreams and build a fulfilling future in our state."

The state's economic success relies heavily on the availability of a well-educated workforce. In South Dakota, our public universities ensure that students receive quality education and training to meet the current job market demands. As a result, nearly 30% of nonresident students choose to stay and work in the state after completing their degree.  

"The higher education market is growing increasingly competitive, and that trend isn’t likely to change anytime soon,” Lukkes said. "This program has proven successful thus far, and we hope this expansion will prove profitable for our universities and our state's business community."

The rates will go into effect for new students enrolled in the 2024 summer term and beyond. Current Minnesota students enrolled in the BOR system will continue receiving the Minnesota reciprocity rate until graduation; new incoming and transfer students will receive the South Dakota Advantage rate.

Also at Thursday’s meeting, the Regents announced a new benefit for state employees.

Beginning with the 2024 spring semester, eligible state employees can take advantage of a 50% tuition reduction for online courses offered by South Dakota's public universities. Thursday's announcement was made in partnership with legislative majority leaders Senator Casey Crabtree and Representative Will Mortenson.  

This January, eligible state employees will qualify for a 50% reduction in tuition for online courses offered by South Dakota's public universities. The program allows participants to tailor their learning experience to their individual needs and career goals, making higher education more accessible for state employees and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.

"This program supports the Board's goal of creating a skilled, knowledgeable, and energetic workforce that can drive innovation and contribute to the overall development of our great state," Regents President Tim Rave said. "We are excited to offer this opportunity and look forward to seeing its positive impact on our employees, universities, and state." 

Under this new discounted rate, students will be accepted as "last student in," meaning their admission will be subject to course capacity. While this does not guarantee enrollment, it provides an opportunity for state employees without any additional expense to the state. Students utilizing this discounted rate will be granted admission if vacant spots are available, up to six credits a semester.