Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD

Total Enrollment

11,498

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

252

252 programs

Full-Time Students

7,716

2,461 part-time

Total FTE

9,222

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

17:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

Certificate Graduates

Short-term specialized training

2530

Total Recent Graduates

With 11,498 students, South Dakota State University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 252 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 7,716 (75.8%)

75.8%

Part-Time Students 2,461 (24.2%)

24.2%

Total Students 10,177

Predominantly full-time students (75.8%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time

Part-Time

A majority of students (67.1%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Women

55.8%

6,420 students

Men

44.2%

5,078 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

White

82.6%

9,496 students

White

82.6% (9,496)

International Students

6.1% (702)

Hispanic/Latino

2.8% (327)

Two or More Races

2.1% (240)

Asian

1.3% (150)

Black/African American

1.3% (144)

American Indian/Alaska Native

1.2% (136)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.1% (11)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 11,498 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 83% of the student body (9,496 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

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

10,177 students

44% Men, 56% Women

7,716 Full-time 2,461 Part-time

Diversity Index: 26% • Minority Students: 7%

Graduate students

1,321 students

43% Men, 57% Women

567 Full-time 754 Part-time

Diversity Index: 55% • Minority Students: 8%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

8,283

All full-time students

3,885 men, 4,398 women

Diversity: 28%

FT Undergraduate

7,716

Full-time undergraduate

3,622 men, 4,094 women

Diversity: 26%

FT Degree-Seeking

7,691

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

3,614 men, 4,077 women

Diversity: 25%

FT First-Time

2,207

Full-time first-time students

1,013 men, 1,194 women

Diversity: 25%

FT Continuing

5,484

Full-time continuing students

2,601 men, 2,883 women

Diversity: 25%

FT Transfer

293

Full-time transfer students

147 men, 146 women

Diversity: 41%

FT Continuing

5,191

Full-time other continuing

2,454 men, 2,737 women

Diversity: 24%

FT Non-Degree

Full-time non-degree seeking

8 men, 17 women

Diversity: 72%

FT Graduate

567

Full-time graduate students

263 men, 304 women

Diversity: 53%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

3,215

All part-time students

1,193 men, 2,022 women

Diversity: 38%

PT Undergraduate

2,461

Part-time undergraduate

885 men, 1,576 women

Diversity: 29%

PT Degree-Seeking

1,107

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

440 men, 667 women

Diversity: 33%

PT First-Time

Part-time first-time students

26 men, 41 women

Diversity: 32%

PT Continuing

1,040

Part-time continuing students

414 men, 626 women

Diversity: 33%

PT Transfer

Part-time transfer students

25 men, 70 women

Diversity: 41%

PT Continuing

945

Part-time other continuing

389 men, 556 women

Diversity: 32%

PT Non-Degree

1,354

Part-time non-degree seeking

445 men, 909 women

Diversity: 26%

PT Graduate

754

Part-time graduate students

308 men, 446 women

Diversity: 57%

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

8,706

White

127

Black/African American

295

Hispanic/Latino

121

Asian

307

International

Diversity Index: 26% Minority Students: 7%

Graduate students

790

White

Black/African American

Hispanic/Latino

Asian

395

International

Diversity Index: 55% 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.

Explore More About South Dakota State University

College Overview

General information

Programs & Degrees

Available study options

Admissions

Requirements & process

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 State University's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large institution with 11,498 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (67.1%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.

• Academic Intensity: 9,222 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.

• Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 46% taking some online courses.

• Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (17:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.

• 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.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

8009523541

Address

1004 Campanile Ave

Brookings, SD 57007-1898

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