Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Lake Area Technical College

Watertown, SD

Total Enrollment

2,179

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

51

51 programs

Full-Time Students

1,399

780 part-time

Total FTE

2,035

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

17:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

296
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
939
Total Recent Graduates

Lake Area Technical College serves 2,179 students, providing focused education with personalized instruction and hands-on learning. The school offers 51 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 1,399 (64.2%)
64.2%
Part-Time Students 780 (35.8%)
35.8%
Total Students 2,179

Balanced mix of full-time (64.2%) and part-time students, accommodating various schedules.

Full-Time
Part-Time

A majority of students (64.2%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
48.0%
1,046 students
Men
52.0%
1,133 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
91.2%
1,988 students
White
91.2% (1,988)
Hispanic/Latino
2.7% (58)
American Indian/Alaska Native
2.2% (49)
Asian
1.2% (27)
Black/African American
1.1% (24)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.5% (10)
Two or More Races
0.2% (5)
International Students
0.1% (2)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 2,179 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 91% of the student body (1,988 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

2,179 students

52% Men, 48% Women
1,399 Full-time 780 Part-time
Diversity Index: 17% • Minority Students: 8%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

1,399
All full-time students
860 men, 539 women
Diversity: 16%

FT Undergraduate

1,399
Full-time undergraduate
860 men, 539 women
Diversity: 16%

FT Degree-Seeking

1,391
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
856 men, 535 women
Diversity: 16%

FT First-Time

599
Full-time first-time students
382 men, 217 women
Diversity: 18%

FT Continuing

792
Full-time continuing students
474 men, 318 women
Diversity: 15%

FT Transfer

78
Full-time transfer students
44 men, 34 women
Diversity: 28%

FT Continuing

714
Full-time other continuing
430 men, 284 women
Diversity: 13%

FT Non-Degree

8
Full-time non-degree seeking
4 men, 4 women
Diversity: 22%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

780
All part-time students
273 men, 507 women
Diversity: 17%

PT Undergraduate

780
Part-time undergraduate
273 men, 507 women
Diversity: 17%

PT Degree-Seeking

319
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
70 men, 249 women
Diversity: 23%

PT First-Time

36
Part-time first-time students
7 men, 29 women
Diversity: 25%

PT Continuing

283
Part-time continuing students
63 men, 220 women
Diversity: 23%

PT Transfer

29
Part-time transfer students
7 men, 22 women
Diversity: 61%

PT Continuing

254
Part-time other continuing
56 men, 198 women
Diversity: 17%

PT Non-Degree

461
Part-time non-degree seeking
203 men, 258 women
Diversity: 12%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

1,988
White
24
Black/African American
58
Hispanic/Latino
27
Asian
2
International
Diversity Index: 17% Minority Students: 8%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Lake Area Technical College's Student Body

Training Environment: Mid-sized training facility with 2,179 students providing focused career preparation and hands-on experience.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (64.2%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 2,035 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 46% taking some online courses.
Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (17:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.
Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

1201 Arrow Avenue

Watertown, SD 57201-0730

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
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