South Dakota School of Mines & Technology saw a major turnaround in fall enrollment numbers this year.

One year ago, the school was the only state university to see a decrease in fall enrollment numbers. This year, its 5.6 percent increase is the largest in the state's university system.

"We're very excited," said President Robert Wharton on Thursday during a teleconference with university presidents. "A year ago, we made enrollment management our No. 1 job."

The numbers this year - 2,177 students, an increase of 116 - show the progress they have made, he said.

School of Mines officials attributed their relatively flat enrollment numbers during the past several years and the slight dip last year to the higher admission standards implemented in the fall of 2006. The numbers are back on track, Wharton said, including a first-time freshman enrollment increase this year of more than 14 percent, or 45 students, for a total of 362.

Several of the six public universities across the state reported record enrollment numbers this year, with officials attributing the increase to the economy, growth at university centers, and more distance learners. Enrollment is up more than 2.5 percent at 33,779, an increase of 836 students from a year ago. It is the 12th straight year of increased overall enrollment in the state's university system.

Enrollment was up at the University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Dakota State University and Black Hills State University. Northern State University was the only school with a decline, a drop of 133 students, or 4.7 percent.

The state's largest university, SDSU, saw an increase this year in freshmen and graduate students, said Marysz Rames, vice president for student affairs.

USD president Jim Abbott said the Vermillion school gained students in undergraduate and graduate programs. With the recent construction of new buildings, the school can accommodate more students, he said.

Kay Schallenkamp, president of Black Hills State University, said the Spearfish university saw a 3 percent increase in freshmen this year. It is the third-largest school with 4,076 students enrolled this fall, a 1.6 percent increase over last year.

Increased enrollment at public institutions is a sign of the times, said Regents Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Jack Warner. People tend to go back to school to change careers or acquire another degree for advancement during recessions.

The state's technical schools have also seen an increase in students. Western Dakota Technical Institute boasted record enrollment this fall, and has added night and morning classes and more staff to accommodate the influx in students. Parking at the institute is a daily challenge, said president Craig Bailey.

Warner said the number of students graduating from high schools in the state continues to decline, but more students have enrolled in college.

"Once they obtain a degree, their earning power increases over their lifetime," he said.

Contact Kayla Gahagan at 394-8410 or kayla.gahagan@rapidcityjournal.com

Institution	Fall 08	Fall 09	Difference	%Difference
BHSU	4,011	4,076	65	1.62%
DSU	2,780	2,861	81	2.91%
NSU	2,805	2,672	-133	-4.74%
SDSMT	2,061	2,177	116	5.63%
SDSU	11,995	12,376	381	3.18%
USD	9,291	9,617	326	3.51%