For Release October 2

Board of Regents Releases Fall 1997 Enrollment Figures Resident Freshmen Are Up

Pierre—Today the Board of Regents released enrollment figures at South Dakota’s public universities for the Fall 1997 semester. There is a slight decline in overall total enrollment; however, residents enrolling as freshmen are up slightly and one university saw an enrollment increase.

South Dakotan residents enrolling as first-time freshmen are up slightly—a 0.3% headcount increase and a 1% increase in full-time equivalent enrollment for the system. This is the second year that resident freshmen enrollment has increased. Resident freshmen enrollment is up substantially at the University of South Dakota (19%) and Dakota State University (18%).

Total system headcount enrollment stands at 23,470; a 3.3% decrease from 24,261 in Fall 1996. Full-time equivalent enrollment is at 20,764.4; a 2.85% decrease from 21,374.5 a year ago. This Fall’s enrollment is comparable to levels in 1990-91.

Robert T. Tad Perry, Executive Director of the Board, said, "Though small, it is very promising to see an overall increase in the number of South Dakotans enrolling as first-time freshmen. Increases in the resident freshmen enrollment indicates that residents are realizing the high-quality, cost-effective choice that South Dakota’s public universities provide."

Regents’ President David R. Gienapp of Madison said, "Their resident enrollment increase is an affirmation of USD’s and DSU’s quality education and work to recruit students."

Total headcount enrollment differences between Fall 1996 and Fall 1997 range from an increase of 7.7% at Dakota State University, to a decrease of 6.45% at Northern State University. The state’s largest university, South Dakota State University, had a 2.25% decrease. (see page 2 tables for complete listing of enrollment)

Public University Enrollment Summary
Fall 1996/Fall 1997

Resident Freshmen Headcount Enrollment
Fall 1996/Fall 1997

Return to 1997 Press Releases