SD Tech School Enrollment Down About 2 Percent

SIOUX FALLS, SD - Enrollment at technical schools in South Dakota this fall is a mixed bag, with student numbers up at two schools and down at two others.

Both Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls and Lake Area Tech in Watertown saw student numbers rise about 2 percent over the year. Mitchell Technical Institute saw an enrollment drop of about 5 percent, and Western Dakota Tech in Rapid City saw the student body decrease about 11 percent.

Mitchell Tech President Greg Von Wald says the drop at his school is related to the improving economy. He says that as the manufacturing industry rebounds, many students are leaving to take jobs in their field.

Overall, enrollment at the four tech schools was down less than 2 percent.