Lake Area Technical College Reports Record Fall Enrollment
WATERTOWN – Lake Area Technical College (LATC) welcomed 2,321 students to campus this fall, setting a new high in the school’s 60-year history. The two-year college welcomed 1,772 degree-seeking students, along with 538 dual credit high school students.
The milestone parallels students’ desire for a strong return on their education. Most LATC graduates see a 100 percent return on investment within the first five months of employment.
“The growth the college has seen reflects what today’s college student is looking for,” says President Tiffany Sanderson. “LATC delivers hands-on instruction by faculty who are experienced in their fields, students have big opportunities on campus while we keep class sizes small, and graduates land great jobs with great wages.”
More than 80 percent of LATC’s students come from South Dakota. Students from 63 of the state’s 66 counties are represented on campus this fall, as well as 21 states across the nation. The largest programs include Diesel Technician, Practical Nursing, Registered Nursing and Agriculture.
The college is also seeing an increase in the number of high school juniors and seniors taking dual credit courses through LATC. More than 500 students from 78 South Dakota high schools are currently enrolled in dual credit courses, and 11 seniors are attending LATC full-time. They are expected to earn their degrees in Nursing, Computer Information Systems and Agriculture.
Another trend is the number of students pursuing degrees to add specialized skills to their existing college credentials. Currently, 20 students at LATC previously earned bachelor’s degrees. They are now enrolled in programs including Dental Assisting, Physical Therapist Assistant, Nursing, Professional Pilot and Business.
The college’s record enrollment underscores its role as a leader in technical education and workforce development.
“Lake Area Tech is a high-energy campus,” Sanderson said. “At the heart of our mission is a promise that we’ll provide the very best technical education and help students launch into great careers.”
