Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Rapid City, SD

Total Enrollment

2,492

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

58

58 programs

Full-Time Students

1,737

433 part-time

Total FTE

2,056

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

12:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

30
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
560
Total Recent Graduates

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology serves 2,492 students, providing focused education with personalized instruction and hands-on learning. The school offers 58 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 1,737 (80.0%)
80.0%
Part-Time Students 433 (20.0%)
20.0%
Total Students 2,170

Predominantly full-time students (80.0%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time
Part-Time

A majority of students (69.7%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
23.6%
588 students
Men
76.4%
1,904 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
78.3%
1,950 students
White
78.3% (1,950)
Hispanic/Latino
5.5% (138)
International Students
5.1% (128)
Two or More Races
2.5% (62)
Asian
1.6% (40)
Black/African American
1.5% (37)
American Indian/Alaska Native
1.0% (26)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.1% (2)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly male (76%) across 2,492 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 78% of the student body (1,950 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Men comprise 76% of the student body.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

2,170 students

77% Men, 23% Women
1,737 Full-time 433 Part-time
Diversity Index: 32% • Minority Students: 10%

Graduate students

322 students

71% Men, 29% Women
203 Full-time 119 Part-time
Diversity Index: 61% • Minority Students: 8%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

1,940
All full-time students
1,501 men, 439 women
Diversity: 35%

FT Undergraduate

1,737
Full-time undergraduate
1,364 men, 373 women
Diversity: 31%

FT Degree-Seeking

1,732
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
1,361 men, 371 women
Diversity: 30%

FT First-Time

484
Full-time first-time students
386 men, 98 women
Diversity: 34%

FT Continuing

1,248
Full-time continuing students
975 men, 273 women
Diversity: 29%

FT Transfer

47
Full-time transfer students
40 men, 7 women
Diversity: 54%

FT Continuing

1,201
Full-time other continuing
935 men, 266 women
Diversity: 28%

FT Non-Degree

5
Full-time non-degree seeking
3 men, 2 women
Diversity: 64%

FT Graduate

203
Full-time graduate students
137 men, 66 women
Diversity: 55%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

552
All part-time students
403 men, 149 women
Diversity: 47%

PT Undergraduate

433
Part-time undergraduate
310 men, 123 women
Diversity: 38%

PT Degree-Seeking

310
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
242 men, 68 women
Diversity: 35%

PT First-Time

12
Part-time first-time students
11 men, 1 women
Diversity: 67%

PT Continuing

298
Part-time continuing students
231 men, 67 women
Diversity: 33%

PT Transfer

17
Part-time transfer students
14 men, 3 women
Diversity: 46%

PT Continuing

281
Part-time other continuing
217 men, 64 women
Diversity: 32%

PT Non-Degree

123
Part-time non-degree seeking
68 men, 55 women
Diversity: 46%

PT Graduate

119
Part-time graduate students
93 men, 26 women
Diversity: 69%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

1,777
White
32
Black/African American
123
Hispanic/Latino
37
Asian
31
International
Diversity Index: 32% Minority Students: 10%

Graduate students

173
White
5
Black/African American
15
Hispanic/Latino
3
Asian
97
International
Diversity Index: 61% Minority Students: 8%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About South Dakota School of Mines and Technology's Student Body

Training Environment: Mid-sized training facility with 2,492 students providing focused career preparation and hands-on experience.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (69.7%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 2,056 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.
Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
Academic Environment: Excellent student-faculty ratio (12:1) ensures personalized attention and mentorship.
Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

501 E Saint Joseph St

Rapid City, SD 57701-3995

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
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