Another Record Breaking Year at Lake Area Tech

September 9, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lake Area Technical College: More Students. More Graduates. Stronger South Dakota.

LATC enrollment reaches a record high as continued growth builds momentum toward the college’s goal to increase the number of skilled professionals graduating each year.

WATERTOWN, SD – Lake Area Technical College (LATC) has set another all-time enrollment record this fall, with overall enrollments up nearly 3%, including growth among both degree-seeking and dual credit students. The 2,387 students taking classes mark the third record-setting fall for LATC in the past five years.

Enrollment is only the beginning of the story. Lake Area Tech’s growth in degree-seeking students is particularly significant as the college works to increase the number of students who earn a college credential and successfully move into the workforce or continue their education.

“More students are choosing Lake Area Tech and we’re proud to welcome them to campus,” said President Tiffany Sanderson. “Our goal, though, isn’t simply to enroll more students here. Our goal is to help more students successfully complete a credential that gives them the knowledge, skills, and connections they can use to build the future they want.”

LATC’s focus is producing measurable results. Lake Area Tech’s most recent graduating class was 849 strong, an increase of 6.8% over the year prior.

That track record gave Cori Birkel from De Smet, SD confidence in her decision to pursue the Dental Hygiene profession. “I graduated from the Dental Assisting program at Lake Area Tech and knew the instructors and staff,” Birkel said. “When I chose to continue my education, I knew they would help me prepare for a successful career. I’ll be able to take my skills out into the workforce and help people improve their health.”

College with Clear Value

For students and families considering whether college is worth the investment, the value of a technical college credential is ultimately demonstrated by what happens next. Lake Area Tech offers more than 30 programs with clear connections between learning and career application. Students learn theory and knowledge and then put that learning into practice in laboratories, shops, clinical settings, and simulation centers, giving them the ability to troubleshoot, make decisions, and adapt.

That strong link to today’s industry has resulted in a 99% placement rate for LATC grads, meaning they are employed, continuing their education, or serving in the military within six months of graduation. 83% of those employed work in South Dakota after graduation, starting their careers with an average annual salary of $57,013.

For freshman Ethan Rearick from Wolsey, SD, LATC’s Precision Machining program was the draw. “I came to Lake Area Tech for their world-class machining program. As a Build Dakota Scholar with a full-ride scholarship and an industry partner in machining, I’m going to use the skills I learn here to go home and better the business.”

“South Dakota needs people who are prepared to solve problems, care for others, build things, and take on challenges we haven’t yet encountered,” Sanderson said. “That’s what Lake Area Tech students are preparing to do.”

Snapshot of the LATC Student Body:

• Fall 2026 Headcount = 2,387 students
• Growth at Lake Area Tech

• Growth of Recent High School Grads Enrolled

• States and Canadian provinces represented in student body = 17
• Number of South Dakota counties in student body = 64 of 66

About Lake Area Technical College:

Founded in 1965, Lake Area Technical College’s mission is to provide superior, comprehensive technical education that changes lives and launches careers. The college offers programs of study in more than 30 fields, including opportunities in healthcare, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, transportation, energy, aviation, public safety, information technology, and business. The college received the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, recognizing it as the top two-year college in the nation. For more information and to apply, visit: www.lakeareatech.edu.