South Dakota Board of Regents
For more information: Janelle Toman, 773-3455

EMBARGOED Release: 9 a.m. (CDT), Oct. 10, 2002

State University System Reports Record Enrollments

BROOKINGS – A record 30,072 students enrolled this fall at South Dakota’s six state universities, an increase of 4.3 percent over Fall 2001.

There are 1,244 more students reported in the system statewide over last fall’s numbers, when headcount enrollment stood at 28,828. The enrollment figures were announced Thursday at the South Dakota Board of Regents’ meeting in Brookings.

“Over the last three years, our system has experienced enrollment growth in the 3 percent to 5 percent range,” said Regents Vice President Rudy Nef. “At a time when many areas of our state are losing population, and high school enrollments overall are on the decline, it is encouraging to see growth in our higher education system. As a board, the Regents will continue to deliver the message that South Dakota public universities offer students quality and value.” 

The Fall 2002 enrollment data show both the number of students and the credit hours they are taking have increased over last year. The full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment for Fall 2002 is up 3.23 percent over a year ago. The FTE enrollment this fall stands at 23,167.7 students.

 “The increase in full-time equivalent students is based on total credit hours generated by all students within the system,” Regents Executive Director Robert T. Tad Perry said. “This increased course load translates into 725.7 more full-time students this fall over last year.”

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