News Release

Contacts: Robert T. Tad Perry, Executive Director

tadp@sdbor.edu

Janelle Toman, Director of Information & Institutional Research

janellet@sdbor.edu

T: 605.773.3455

F: 605.773.5320

FOR RELEASE:  Tuesday, October 2, 2007

New Record Enrollment for South Dakota Public Universities

PIERRE, S.D. – A new all-time record enrollment in South Dakota’s public university system was reported by the Board of Regents Tuesday, with total student enrollment up 4 percent to 32,148.

“This is terrific news, especially given the demographics we face today,” said Regents Executive Director Robert T. Tad Perry. “The high school population, our traditional college-bound market, is getting smaller, not only in South Dakota but across the Upper Midwest. This record enrollment suggests South Dakota public universities are doing a better job of getting high school graduates into college right away and retaining them, as well as finding ways to meet the needs of all citizens, regardless of age or circumstance, for higher education.”

Total headcount at the six public universities for the Fall 2007 term is 32,148, an increase of 1,247 students, or 4.04 percent, over a year ago. The number of full-time equivalent students—based on total credit hours generated by all students within the system—increased by 368 students, or about 1.5 percent.

South Dakota Public Higher Education: Fall 2007 Enrollments