Another tuition freeze to benefit SDSU students

Students at South Dakota State University will continue to attend one of the most affordable public universities in the region next year thanks to another year’s tuition freeze. 

During the South Dakota Board of Regents’ April meeting, the board reaffirmed its commitment to affordability and accessibility in higher education by freezing tuition again for the 2024-25 academic year. 

“SDSU recognizes the importance of costs as students and families make decisions about their college choice. We continue to remain focused on providing the highest quality educational experience to our students at a cost that is nearly unmatched throughout the region,” said Shawn Helmbolt, SDSU assistant vice president for enrollment management. 

“In a world of rising costs and inflation, where families’ dollars are being stretched further, we are committed to remaining focused on the affordability of our opportunities. This support from multiple entities throughout the state of South Dakota and at SDSU to freeze tuition rates for another year will continue to enhance the value of an SDSU degree,” Helmbolt added. 

SDSU has also recently become one of more than 500 schools nationwide to be listed as a partner institution with the College Cost Transparency Initiative. That means SDSU has voluntarily committed to follow a set of principles and standards that ensures transparency, clarity and understanding around communicating student financial aid offers. 

South Dakota’s public universities remain steadfast in providing high-quality education without burdening students and their families with additional financial strain. The regents’ decision to freeze tuition reflects the state’s dedication to supporting students in pursuing their educational goals and promoting a positive learning environment. 

“Ensuring higher education remains accessible to all students in South Dakota is the core of our mission,” BOR Executive Director Nathan Lukkes said. “By keeping tuition and fees nearly flat for the fifth consecutive year, we are confirming our dedication to affordability and excellence in education. We understand the financial challenges that many students face, and we are determined to mitigate those challenges by keeping the cost of attendance low, predictable and manageable.” 

This ongoing effort has been a testament to the partnership between South Dakota lawmakers and university leadership. During the 2024 Legislative Session, $5.7 million was allocated to the regental system to keep tuition flat. In return, each of the six South Dakota public universities would hold fees flat by continuing to absorb ongoing costs at their institutions. This sustained model is a true test of South Dakota universities’ efficiencies and dedication to student success. 

“It’s important to recognize that achieving a milestone like maintaining virtually flat tuition and fee rates for half a decade is not the work of one or two individuals. It’s a collective effort and proof of the commitment of hundreds of people who share a common goal: providing our South Dakota students an excellent education at a fair, competitive price,” SDBOR President Tim Rave said. “We are all in this together, working to keep these highly educated individuals in our state.” 

The SDBOR office conducts an annual regional survey of tuition, fees and total costs at four-year public institutions in South Dakota and its six neighboring states: Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota and Wyoming. 

The 2023-24 survey showed that South Dakota came in as the most affordable average total cost for all undergraduate students and resident graduate students, and second most affordable for nonresident graduate students.