USD Reports Strong Enrollment for Fall 2025, Including Another Record Year at USD – Sioux Falls
On Sept. 11, 2025, USD announced its second-highest overall headcount to date at 10,405 students. Over the past two years, USD’s total enrollment has increased by 5.4%.
That growth has been particularly apparent at USD’s campus in Sioux Falls; overall headcount at USD – Sioux Falls is up 19.1% from last fall, with a notable increase in degree-seeking students. In recent years, USD has expanded key degree programs to its Sioux Falls campus to address the city’s workforce needs, such as an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
“USD is proud to provide a high-quality education that positions students for success in their careers,” said USD President Sheila K. Gestring. “In and beyond the classroom, our students are gaining the skills and experiences they need — and that is evident when they join the workforce. From our health systems to boardrooms, USD graduates are leading the way in their fields and serving South Dakota.”
USD remains the largest provider of graduate education in the state. The graduate programs with the highest enrollment include business administration, social work, educational administration and leadership, and computer science.
At the undergraduate level, nursing, kinesiology and sport management, medical biology, psychology and elementary education saw the highest enrollment — coinciding with several fields that are in high demand for South Dakota’s workforce.
“We are excited to be welcoming a great incoming class, as well as welcoming back our returning students as they continue on their path to graduation,” said Scott Pohlson, vice president for enrollment management and student services. “With growth in our scholarship programs and continual outreach efforts across the region, USD is continuing to connect more students with a quality educational experience.”
“The resources available to our students, the learning environments we create, the hands-on experiences we offer — all of these areas are growing each year,” Gestring added. “USD is home to more than 10,000 Coyotes, and the community surrounding them is only getting stronger. We have a great year of learning, celebration and growth ahead of us.”
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