RAPID CITY, SD – South Dakota Mines enrollment fell slightly this year, with 2,541 undergraduate students compared to 2,579 in fall 2024 – a decrease of 38 students. The South Dakota Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s six public universities, today reported a 0.22% overall increase in enrollment across its institutions.
While undergraduate enrollment is slightly down, Mines saw a nearly 15% increase in doctoral students, an important step as the university advances toward R2 research status, a Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education recognizing significant research activity and at least 20 doctoral graduates annually. The university also reported growth in transfer students, international students and high school dual enrollment. The university has an 83% retention rate in freshmen to sophomore students, a positive indicator of the effort to increase the number of highly sought-after STEM graduates.
For years, many higher education institutions across the nation have struggled to maintain enrollment as the overall population of high school students has shrunk.
“Mines has remained relatively steady, reflecting both the value of a Mines degree and the growing national demand for engineers and scientists to drive innovation, economic growth and national security,” said Mines President Dr. Brian Tande. “We take pride in preparing the next generation of STEM leaders. Our graduates are in high demand for their problem-solving skills and innovative mindset.”
Mines is a hub of technology-based economic growth in the Black Hills region. The university is working alongside Elevate Rapid City, the Sanford Underground Research Facility and Ellsworth Air Force Base to build an economic ecosystem that is increasing the number of high-paying STEM jobs in the Black Hills and across the state.
The most recent graduates earned an average starting salary of $77,067 and enjoyed a 97% placement rate in their field of study or graduate school. Those who completed an internship had a placement rate of 100%.