Board of Regents Releases Fall 1999 Enrollment Figures Total Enrollment Steady

For the second year, Dakota State University (DSU) in Madison registered a significant increase in headcount, from 1,831 in Fall 1998 to 2,003 in Fall 1999, over a 9.3% increase. "We have expected this for some time. Last summer President Jerald Tunheim informed the Regents that early registrations indicated DSU would surpass its Fall 1998 enrollment. Clearly, South Dakota students see the value and quality in the programs offered there. I encourage any prospective student to visit the campus and feel the electricity of the place," said Regents President Harvey C. Jewett, IV.

"South Dakota public universities offer quality at a reasonable price. South Dakota families recognize that value," said Regents Executive Director Robert T. Tad Perry. "Both recent high school graduates and adult students understand that to achieve economic security in the future will require education and training beyond high school. We offer programs that meet those needs, whether a student is seeking to prepare for a career or a career change. Some of our students simply want to become more proficient in the use of technology. We offer programs that prepare people to meet change."

Jewett added, "Four years of college offer more than just academics. People learn how to be a part of a team and how to exercise leadership. These are valuable skills for the workplace."

In addition to the growth at DSU, Northern State University showed an increase. Officials attribute that to sound enrollment management. Enrollments at The University of South Dakota reflect a recent decline in attendance by residents of Iowa and Nebraska. Officials attribute this to the increase in non-resident tuition that occurred in the mid-1990s. A similar decline in enrollment did not occur among Minnesota students, who benefit from a reciprocity agreement. Reciprocity allows a resident of one state to attend an institution in the neighboring state for a fee that is slightly higher than the resident rate.