DSU enrollment numbers pass 3,770

September 11, 2024

Dakota State University total enrollment for fall 2024 is up 7.6% from last year, continuing steady enrollment increases over the last 25 years.  

DSU enrollment in 1999 was just over 2,000 students; this year the university has 3,774 students. The fall 2024 increases are found in most enrollment categories, said Amy Crissinger, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, including headcount, credit hours, transfer students, and international student enrollment.

Graduate numbers are also on the rise. Over the last 10 years, the number of master’s and doctoral students has increased from 311 in 2014, to 708 this fall. From fall 2023 to 2024 alone was a 26.9% jump.

“As technology continues to impact every facet of our world, graduate degrees are becoming an increasingly important way for working professionals to update and expand their skills sets,” said Dr. Rebecca Hoey, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs.  

“Whether in technology fields like cybersecurity or artificial intelligence, business and information systems, or education, individuals want to be prepared for what the future will bring. Our cutting-edge, affordable, and flexible graduate degrees offer this to professionals who want to prepare themselves for the next steps in their career path,” she stated.

This long-term, across the board growth is the result of a number of factors, said José-Marie Griffiths, President of Dakota State University.

“This continued trend is the result of the efforts of many individuals at Dakota State,” said Griffiths.

“From our knowledgeable and inspirational faculty, passionate and high-achieving students, as well as our dedicated support staff, we are creating and maintaining an academic environment that holds great promise for our students’ future.”

She added that “critical support for our students also comes from generous alumni donors and other stakeholders including our many industry partners, as well as our state legislators and Congressional representatives.”

In addition to strong academic programs, students are attracted to DSU by other academic opportunities.

“When we couple our academic strengths and research opportunities with workforce development efforts such as the new research facility being built in Sioux Falls, and the extra-curricular opportunities created by the new athletics complex in Madison, it promises to be an exciting year at Dakota State,” said Hoey.