By james art 
November 5, 2024
This paid content is sponsored by the University of South Dakota.
If you step foot on the University of South Dakota-Sioux Falls campus on North Career Avenue, you’ll notice a new energy.
At a new student orientation event in August, more than 150 people filled the main campus auditorium as new students began their journey at USD – Sioux Falls. During USD’s homecoming celebration, Dakota Days, the Sioux Falls campus saw record participation in activities that reflect the Coyote spirit. And on any given day, students and visitors can enjoy a vibrant learning environment that has more momentum than ever before.
This atmosphere is a reflection of USD – Sioux Falls’ growth since it became a university campus two years ago. Last year, USD – Sioux Falls served just over 1,000 students. This fall, the number of students enrolled in USD – Sioux Falls courses increased by 15 percent over last fall.
“This is a very exciting time at USD – Sioux Falls,” said Jay Perry, vice president for USD – Sioux Falls. “There is a demand for a public university option in Sioux Falls, and we are proud to provide this for our students as we also support South Dakota’s workforce.”
USD – Sioux Falls serves a wide range of traditional and non-traditional students. Approximately one third of the student population is over the age of 24. Of the first-time students on campus, 83 percent are from Sioux Falls high schools.
As USD’s Sioux Falls campus grows, a key priority is meeting the needs of non-traditional students—including first-generation students, new Americans, and students who work full-time while balancing their course load.
“We’re always thinking about how we can reach more students who might not otherwise have imagined a college education would be possible for them,” said Alyssa Matt, assistant vice president for external relations.
“USD – Sioux Falls is opening new doors for students. We are committed to continuing to expand opportunities and help more students gain access to an education that will prepare them to achieve their goals and thrive.”
Programs at USD – Sioux Falls span associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates, with more than 30 academic programs to choose from. The most popular programs help bridge regional workforce gaps.
“We’re seeing enrollment growth in fields that meet some of South Dakota’s greatest workforce needs — especially business, health care and education,” Perry said. “This campus has produced a set of leaders who will serve our communities in Sioux Falls and across the state.”
The program at USD – Sioux Falls with the highest enrollment is nursing. As home to South Dakota’s only medical school and the most comprehensive school of health sciences, USD has long provided a robust healthcare education. The Sioux Falls campus continues this tradition while emphasizing the facilities and opportunities provided by South Dakota’s largest city.
As its Sioux Falls campus grows, USD continues to listen to the needs of its students and workforce. Matt noted that an important part of this work is building relationships in the city.
“USD has great partnerships with our health systems, school districts, businesses and community partners in Sioux Falls,” Matt said. “By working together, we can better serve our students, the city, the state and the region.”
For more information about USD – Sioux Falls, visit usd.edu/SiouxFalls.