Lake Area Tech Breaks Enrollment Record in Fall 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2024
Students recognize the value of their investment at Lake Area Technical College: affordable degrees, great job prospects, and high wages.
WATERTOWN, SD – Lake Area Technical College’s (LATC’s) student body grew by 6.1% for the 2024 fall semester, topping the former high set in 2018. With a strong returning student count and robust freshman class, the total for the 2024 fall semester is 2,312. The incoming student population grew 13.9% and high school dual credit enrollment rose to an all-time high of 495.
The enrollment upsurge reflects the desire for students to secure a strong return on their college investment and Lake Area Tech’s commitment to provide a skilled workforce in the region. “Lake Area Tech graduates add value immediately for their employers and in their communities,” said Tiffany Sanderson, Lake Area Technical College President. “They start several steps ahead in their career with superior technical skills and the ability to solve problems and innovate.”
The average 2023 Lake Area Tech graduate took only five months to earn back the cost of their degree, even without the bonus of scholarships and aid factored in. Ninety-nine percent acquired jobs right after graduation, the majority earning between $55,000-$74,000 in entry level salaries. “Lake Area Tech’s purpose is to educate skilled professionals to advance South Dakota’s workforce,” shared Sanderson. “We have a bold goal of increasing our graduate numbers each year to support our students and industry partners. This enrollment growth is a strategic step toward meeting that goal.” Nearly 14% of full-time students have earned a full-ride Build Dakota Scholarship, committing to work in South Dakota for three years after graduation in a high-demand field.
With the continued growth of the student body, LATC’s campus has expanded to follow suit. The recent completion of the Dana J. Dykhouse Business Center, Advanced Manufacturing Lab, the Ace A. Brandt Diesel Center, Prairie Lakes Healthcare Center, and Dental program remodel all contribute additional space for labs and classrooms. Students are learning in state-of-the-art facilities that are conducive to success in their fields of study.
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About Lake Area Technical College
Located in Watertown, SD and established in 1965 as the first technical school in South Dakota, Lake Area Technical College offers comprehensive technical education in 31 high-demand fields. Lake Area Tech College has been nationally recognized as a leader in technical education with a strong record of success:
2017 recipient of the National Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence
Nearly 24,000 graduates
99% of graduates are employed or continuing education
82% of graduates live and work in South Dakota
