ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University has a larger freshman class this fall, and the university continues its trend of high student retention rates.
Northern has 339 freshman this year, according to figures released today from the South Dakota Board of Regents. That’s a nearly 5 percent increase from 324 in fall 2017.
Northern also boasts a freshmen to sophomore retention rate of 75 percent – the first time in at least 20 years the university has had three years in a row of retention rates over 70 percent.
“We’re immensely pleased to see the continued upward trend in our retention rate,” said NSU President Dr. Timothy Downs. “It means that our efforts to enhance the student experience through things such as expanded academic offerings and campus improvement projects is making an impact.”
While Northern’s headcount is down slightly, with 3,493 students this year compared to 3,611 in fall 2017, it’s a reflection of a past smaller class size. The current senior class started as the smallest freshmen cohort since at least 1993, according to Dr. Brenda Mammenga, NSU director of Institutional Research and Assessment. There are 352 undergraduate seniors this fall, compared to 425 seniors last fall.
More Graduate Students, Higher GPA
Overall, Northern showed positive numbers in various categories, including a 71 percent jump in the number of first-time, degree-seeking graduate students.
Also, Northern is drawing in students of a higher academic caliber. This year’s cohort of first-time, full-time, bachelor’s degree-seeking students has an average high-school GPA of 3.431 for the 2018 cohort of – that’s the highest in at least 10 years.
Attracting more students of a high academic standing is a goal for NSU Admissions.
“Over this past year we’ve worked on a more targeted approach to our recruitment and retention efforts, and we’re thrilled that enrollment plan is working,” said NSU Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Dr. Jeremy Reed.
NSU Keeping Graduates in State
In a separate SDBOR analysis, Northern leads the way among BOR institutions in keeping graduates in South Dakota, with 66.3 percent of NSU’s undergraduate degree-earners employed in state after graduation. The average of the other SDBOR institutions combined together was 60.9 percent, Mammenga said.
“We’re proud to be recruiting more students to Northern, retaining them, and keeping them in the community as part of the workforce, impacting the economy of the entire region,” Downs said.
Downs said Thursday’s enrollment announcement is the latest positive news for the university.
“There’s so much excitement on campus with our new Athletic and Recreation Fields, a new Regional Science Education Center, three new residence halls – and even more to come,” Downs said. “This just adds to our forward momentum.”
Statewide Numbers
Overall fall enrollment at South Dakota’s six public universities is down about 2 percent in full-time equivalent students, the Board of Regents reported today.
The number of full-time equivalent (FTE) students for the fall 2018 term—based on total credit hours generated by all students within the regents’ system—was down by 540.8 students to a total of 26,092.9. Total headcount at the six public universities was 35,737, a decline of 2.5 percent or 925 students over last year.
“In a strong economy, potential students often choose work over education, particularly if they simply do not have the sources of money and support they need,” said Paul B. Beran, the regents’ executive director and CEO. “Many of our students struggle with the costs of a college education. That’s why we are developing plans to present to the governor and legislature for scholarship and need-based financial aid support that will make higher education a reality for more students.”
About Northern State University
Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $45 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.