South Dakota State University enrollment increase driven by in-state students, large freshman class, record retention

South Dakota State University announced today that its total headcount for the fall 2025 semester is 12,139 students, the university’s largest enrollment since 2017. 

The total surpasses last year’s headcount of 12,065 students. The announcement comes after figures were released earlier today by the South Dakota Board of Regents. 

This fall, SDState welcomed 2,276 new first-time students, the fourth-largest incoming class in university history. Students at SDState represent 48 states and 78 countries, underscoring the university’s national and global reach. 

South Dakota residents continue to choose SDState in strong numbers, according to information provided by the regents. More than 56% of the student body, or about 6,840 students, come from South Dakota, an increase of 2.3% compared to last year. Students from Sioux Falls, the largest metro area in the state of South Dakota, account for 17% of the total enrollment of first-time students, a 1.3% increase from last year. 

“South Dakota State University is the destination of choice for students in our state, across the region and around the world,” SDState President Barry Dunn said. “The growth we are experiencing, particularly among South Dakotans, is a strong vote of confidence in the academic quality, value and opportunities available at SDState. It continues to underscore the commitment we make to our land-grant mission of providing the benefits of higher education to those who seek it, especially those throughout the communities of South Dakota.” 

Retention at SDState remains among the highest in the state and region. The university reported an 83% retention rate, its second highest ever and the fifth time in six years that retention has been above 80%. 

“Retention is one of the most important measures of academic quality and the overall student campus life experience,” Dunn said. “Our success in this area is a direct reflection of the outstanding work of our faculty, staff and student support teams. We continue to make important investments in academic quality and student success, and that is reflected in a retention rate that continues to be high among other public land-grant universities.” 

Additional enrollment highlights for fall 2025 include an increase of doctoral students by 12 to 280, signaling continued progress toward SDSU’s goal of achieving R1 research status. 

“South Dakota State University is committed to continue its path to reach R1 status through the ‘R1 Our Way’ roadmap developed as part of our Pathway to Premier strategic plan,” Dunn said. “Solving complex problems and conducting advanced research is core to the university’s mission and continuing to show progress in our Ph.D. programs is a strong indicator we are on the right path to achieve that goal.” 

In addition to growth in overall enrollment, total credit hours at SDState increased to 144,855, up 2,043 from last year, which according to Dunn is an indication that the university is offering academic programs that meet students’ interests and continue to support workforce development in the state and beyond. 

According to the South Dakota Board of Regents, SDSU accounts for nearly 34% of the total headcount in the regental system. The university also represents 38% of all full-time enrollment and 38% of student credit hours across the system — and saw the highest percentages of growth within the system in both categories this year. Top majors at SDState remain strong in high-demand fields, including nursing (more than 1,200 students), business economics, engineering, animal science and human biology. 

“These numbers show that students and families continue to see SDState as the best investment in higher education, one that leads to meaningful careers, service to communities and a lifetime of impact,” Dunn said.