New SDSU Accounting Program Reflects Record Enrollment Growth

Colleges and universities across the country have faced turbulent enrollment for more than a decade. Contrasting that trend, South Dakota State University (SDSU) in Brookings, SD, has experienced steady growth since 2019 by positioning itself through purposeful strategic enrollment management planning to best prepare for educational opportunities and challenges. 

The South Dakota Board of Regents indicates SDSU’s fall 2024 semester enrollment is 12,065 students, up about 5% over 2023 and its highest since 2018 due to a record first-year class and record retention. The enrollment includes the largest incoming first-year student class in the history of SDSU at 2,449 students, exceeding last year’s class by nearly 8%. Student retention from the first to second year was approximately 84%, the fourth time in five years SDSU’s retention was 80% or higher. SDSU students call 47 states and 77 countries home, with international enrollment increasing by almost 18%. 

Accounting

The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates accounting-related positions are projected to grow by 11% in South Dakota and 6% nationally by 2033. The state also has the second highest employment of accountants and auditors per 1,000 jobs in the nation at 13.89. Recognizing a need to develop a supply of talented individuals to meet that demand, the Ness School of Management and Economics at SDSU began offering a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting program in the fall 2024 semester. SDSU previously offered an accounting minor, with an approximate enrollment of around 100 students annually.

Adding an accounting degree at SDSU can open more career opportunities for students and provide employers with a well-educated future workforce as certified public accountants, auditors, tax or corporate accountants, financial analysts and planners, loan officers and other careers.

“By producing graduates of a major program in accounting offered through the Ness School, SDSU addresses a critical labor shortage in the state and beyond, satisfies students’ preferences for a comprehensive study of accounting and credentials students’ studies accordingly,” said Joseph Santos, director of the Ness School, in a July press release. “Consistent with the Ness School mission, the major program in accounting catalyzes innovation and improves quality of life.”

Continuous progress

The Accounting program addition symbolizes the growth occurring throughout SDSU. Positive momentum is exhibited in several of the university’s colleges and departments, including: 

The Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering Department of Construction and Operations Management has been renamed to the Department of Construction and Concrete Industry Management in a reflection of significant enrollment growth in its programs. The department includes a Bachelor of Science in concrete industry management, one of just five of its kind in the nation. 

SDSU offers Bachelor’s and Master's Degrees and postdoctoral certificates in its College of Nursing. Construction is underway for SDSU’s nursing program in Rapid City in collaboration with Black Hills State University and Monument Health. 

The university has received a $1.2 million commitment from the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council to expand the Department of Animal Science’s Swine Education and Research Facility. The grant will add two new wean-to-finish nutrition rooms, doubling the facility’s research capabilities.

Brookings Economic Development Corporation is grateful for the advantages SDSU offers the City of Brookings and its residents. Contact us today to learn how this tremendous university can help support your business success!