Colby Keegan and his mom came from Dupree to South Dakota State University's campus Friday for new student orientation. Colby will study athletic training when he moves to Brookings in the fall.
"I feel like I'm ready. I hope I am," Colby said.
But statistics show that six years from now, only half the incoming freshmen in this room will have graduated.
Colby’s mother, Deanne Keegan, says it's easy to see how kids can get sidetracked, and she has the same concerns as most parents.
"They get out and broaden their wings, get away from mom and dad," Deanne said.
South Dakota is below the national average with only about 46% of students earning a degree six years after enrolling in a four-year school. The highest percentage of graduates is at Augustana College with 65% and the lowest is at Black Hills State University with 22%.
The Keegans have talked about ways for Colby to stay on track once he leaves home, and his plan is to graduate in four years.
"It's what I hope to do but you never know. You gotta stick it out and get your degree," Colby said.
"I'm not worried about it. He's really grounded and does well in school, so I hope he keeps doing that and keeps his goals set," Deanne said.
Percentage of students who graduate South Dakota’s four-year colleges in six years:
| Augustana College | 65% |
| South Dakota State University | 53% |
| Dakota Wesleyan University | 52% |
| Dakota State University | 51% |
| University of South Dakota | 48% |
| Mount Marty College | 47% |
| University of Sioux Falls | 45% |
| South Dakota School of Mines and Technology | 40% |
| Northern State University | 40 % |
| Presentation College | 41% |
| Black Hills State University | 22% |
