Lake Area Tech Enrollment Hits Record High as Graduates See Rapid ROI
- Steve Jurrens
- Feb 9
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Lake Area Technical College (LATC) reports an increase in enrollment and good job prospects for recent graduates, despite national trends in higher education.
At Monday night’s Watertown School Board meeting, LATC President Tiffany Sanderson shared that the college has reached a spring enrollment of 2,758 students. This significant increase brings the institution within striking distance of its year-end goal.
The spring 2026 headcount marks an increase of 437 students since last fall and 51 students compared to the same time last year.
A Fast Track to Financial Freedom
Perhaps the most striking figure presented was the speed at which LATC graduates are recouping their educational investment. For the Class of 2024, the average graduate started their career with an annual salary of over $56,000.
“It took just five months to earn back the cost of the degree,” Sanderson noted, emphasizing that this calculation assumes a student pays full price. In reality, the “return on investment” is often even faster; approximately 20% of students attend on full-ride “Build Dakota” or workforce scholarships, entering the workforce entirely debt-free.
Keeping Talent in South Dakota
The data also highlighted the college’s role as a vital engine for the regional economy:
· 80% of the Class of 2024 are working within South Dakota.
· 31% have remained in Coddington County to begin their careers.
· Graduates have found placement in 46 of the state’s 66 counties.
“I think it’s a signal that students and families recognize the value in technical education,” Sanderson said. “Our community supports our students while they’re here on campus and as they start their early careers.”
Looking Ahead: Scholarships and “Stackable” Degrees
Board Member Jean Moulton noted that the national trend is shifting toward vocational-technical schools. Sanderson agreed, pointing to the “stackability” of technical certificates as a major draw. For example, a student can earn a phlebotomy certificate in just two semesters, which can be applied toward a two-year medical lab technician degree and, eventually, a four-year bachelor’s degree.
Important Dates: The application window for the Build Dakota Scholarship and other institutional awards is currently open. Students must first apply and be accepted to LATC to be eligible. The application deadline is March 31, 2026.
Whether students are interested in high-tech fields such as cybersecurity and robotics or essential healthcare roles, the college remains focused on meeting employer demand while maintaining affordability.
