Fall Enrollment Flat at South Dakota Public Universities

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Enrollment at South Dakota's six public universities has remained flat this fall.

The South Dakota Board of Regents on Tuesday said the headcount enrollment was down by 93 students to 36,439, a decrease of about quarter a percent over last year.

The number of full-time equivalent students decreased by more than 50 students to about 26,684, that's a drop of about one-fifth of a percent. The number of full-time equivalent students is based on total credit hours generated by all students within the university system.

CEO Mike Rush says the board is not surprised by the flat enrollment given the very low unemployment rates in the state. He adds education officials must continue to emphasize the "critical role" that higher education plays in individual success and the state's economy.

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