Trade Colleges

Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Lake Area Technical College

Watertown, SD

Total Enrollment

3,723

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

42

42 career programs

Full-Time Students

5,580

3,723 part-time

Total FTE

2,035

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large-Medium
Substantial training facility
3,723
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 42
High diversity
~89 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Growing
Solid presence in career training
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Lake Area Technical College operates as a large-medium trade college with 3,723 students across 42 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

Lake Area Technical College serves 3,723 students, providing focused career training with personalized instruction and hands-on learning. The school offers 42 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 5,580 (60.0%)
60.0%
Part-Time Students 3,723 (40.0%)
40.0%
Total Students 9,303

Balanced mix of full-time (60.0%) and part-time students, accommodating various schedules.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Most students (149.9%) attend full-time, indicating a traditional college experience focused on academics.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
49.6%
1,846 students
Men
50.4%
1,877 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
91.5%
3,405 students
White
91.5% (3,405)
Hispanic/Latino
2.6% (95)
American Indian/Alaska Native
2.1% (79)
Asian
1.2% (44)
Black/African American
1.1% (42)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.5% (19)
Two or More Races
0.3% (10)
International Students
0.1% (4)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 3,723 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 91% of the student body (3,405 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

9,303 students

57% Men, 43% Women
5,580 Full-time
Diversity Index: 16% • Minority Students: 8%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

1,399
All full-time students
860 men, 539 women
Diversity: 16%

FT Undergraduate

1,399
Full-time undergraduate
860 men, 539 women
Diversity: 16%

FT Degree-Seeking

1,391
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
856 men, 535 women
Diversity: 16%

FT First-Time

599
Full-time first-time students
382 men, 217 women
Diversity: 18%

FT Continuing

792
Full-time continuing students
474 men, 318 women
Diversity: 15%

Part-Time Students

All Students

2,179
All students total
1,133 men, 1,046 women
Diversity: 17%

Transfer

107
Transfer-in students
51 men, 56 women
Diversity: 39%

Continuing

968
Continuing students
486 men, 482 women
Diversity: 14%

Non-Degree

469
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
207 men, 262 women
Diversity: 13%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

8,503
White
86
Black/African American
245
Hispanic/Latino
116
Asian
12
International
Diversity Index: 16% Minority Students: 8%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

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Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Lake Area Technical College

College Overview
General information
Programs & Degrees
Available study options
Admissions
Requirements & process
AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Lake Area Technical College's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 3,723 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
• Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (149.9%) in a traditional academic setting.
• Academic Intensity: 2,035 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
• Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 46% taking some online courses.
• Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.
• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

6058825284

Address

1201 Arrow Avenue

Watertown, SD 57201-0730

Student Success

The student body at trade colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials