Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Western Dakota Technical College

Rapid City, SD

Total Enrollment

1,047

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

45

45 programs

Full-Time Students

513

534 part-time

Total FTE

817

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

10:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

191
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
431
Total Recent Graduates

Western Dakota Technical College serves 1,047 students, providing focused education with personalized instruction and hands-on learning. The school offers 45 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 513 (49.0%)
49.0%
Part-Time Students 534 (51.0%)
51.0%
Total Students 1,047

Majority part-time students (51.0%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (49.0%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
53.7%
562 students
Men
46.3%
485 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
79.6%
833 students
White
79.6% (833)
American Indian/Alaska Native
9.0% (94)
Hispanic/Latino
5.1% (53)
Asian
1.8% (19)
Black/African American
1.4% (15)
Two or More Races
1.1% (11)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.3% (3)
International Students
0.2% (2)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 1,047 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 80% of the student body (833 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

1,047 students

46% Men, 54% Women
513 Full-time 534 Part-time
Diversity Index: 36% • Minority Students: 18%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

513
All full-time students
265 men, 248 women
Diversity: 41%

FT Undergraduate

513
Full-time undergraduate
265 men, 248 women
Diversity: 41%

FT Degree-Seeking

499
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
259 men, 240 women
Diversity: 42%

FT First-Time

150
Full-time first-time students
90 men, 60 women
Diversity: 39%

FT Continuing

349
Full-time continuing students
169 men, 180 women
Diversity: 44%

FT Transfer

80
Full-time transfer students
46 men, 34 women
Diversity: 56%

FT Continuing

269
Full-time other continuing
123 men, 146 women
Diversity: 39%

FT Non-Degree

14
Full-time non-degree seeking
6 men, 8 women
Diversity: 0%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

534
All part-time students
220 men, 314 women
Diversity: 29%

PT Undergraduate

534
Part-time undergraduate
220 men, 314 women
Diversity: 29%

PT Degree-Seeking

234
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
76 men, 158 women
Diversity: 39%

PT First-Time

51
Part-time first-time students
22 men, 29 women
Diversity: 43%

PT Continuing

183
Part-time continuing students
54 men, 129 women
Diversity: 37%

PT Transfer

52
Part-time transfer students
8 men, 44 women
Diversity: 44%

PT Continuing

131
Part-time other continuing
46 men, 85 women
Diversity: 35%

PT Non-Degree

300
Part-time non-degree seeking
144 men, 156 women
Diversity: 20%

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

833
White
15
Black/African American
53
Hispanic/Latino
19
Asian
2
International
Diversity Index: 36% Minority Students: 18%

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 Western Dakota Technical College's Student Body

Training Environment: Mid-sized training facility with 1,047 students providing focused career preparation and hands-on experience.
Study Patterns: Flexible scheduling with many part-time students balancing work and education.
Academic Intensity: 817 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
Academic Environment: Excellent student-faculty ratio (10:1) ensures personalized attention and mentorship.
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

800 Mickelson Dr

Rapid City, SD 57703-4018

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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