Dakota Wesleyan University is dealing with an unexpected spike in enrollment. School officials say it's great news for the university, but now it's putting a strain on campus housing.

DWU in Mitchell expects to see around 730 students this fall.  It's not a school record but for the first time, more than half will live in student housing.

"I think more students realize the value of living on campus and when you realize the cost of commuting from off campus, the cost of food, rent and utilities, the reality is on-campus is a pretty good deal," Provost and Executive Vice President Amy Novak said.

Novak says it's the difference of about 20 additional students living in the dorms.

"Part of that's due to the addition in our nursing program of RN to BAN, so students can now complete four years in the nursing program," Novak said.

To make room for these new students, the university has had to do some remodeling. They've taken a building where offices were and turned it into dorm space and have also remodeled some of its existing dormitories.

"Have converted some of our lounge areas to student housing, but we're excited for the fall and the dynamic it will bring to campus," Novak said.

Construction crews are working to get everything done before school begins, and time is quickly running out because new students start moving to campus next week.

"They're good problems and we're excited about the experiences those students will have and the growth DWU has had in its enrollment," Novak said.

Novak says when officials get together this fall for planning meetings, they'll definitely discuss expanding on-campus dorm space.