Trade Colleges

Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Western Dakota Technical College

Rapid City, SD

Total Enrollment

1,893

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

40

40 career programs

Full-Time Students

2,024

1,893 part-time

Total FTE

817

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Medium
Mid-size vocational school
1,893
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 40
High diversity
~47 students per program
Training Capacity
Medium
Balanced capacity for quality training
Market Position
Niche Provider
Specialized training provider
Resource Level
Substantial
Well-equipped facilities and resources

What This Means

Western Dakota Technical College operates as a medium trade college with 1,893 students across 40 career programs. This size typically offers good facilities, focused training, and strong job placement support.

Western Dakota Technical College serves 1,893 students, providing focused career training with personalized instruction and hands-on learning. The school offers 40 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 2,024 (51.7%)
51.7%
Part-Time Students 1,893 (48.3%)
48.3%
Total Students 3,917

Balanced mix of full-time (51.7%) and part-time students, accommodating various schedules.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Most students (106.9%) attend full-time, indicating a traditional college experience focused on academics.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
54.7%
1,035 students
Men
45.3%
858 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
79.9%
1,513 students
White
79.9% (1,513)
American Indian/Alaska Native
8.6% (162)
Hispanic/Latino
5.0% (94)
Asian
2.0% (37)
Black/African American
1.5% (29)
Two or More Races
1.1% (20)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.2% (4)
International Students
0.2% (4)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 1,893 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 80% of the student body (1,513 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.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

3,917 students

49% Men, 51% Women
2,024 Full-time
Diversity Index: 39% • Minority Students: 21%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

513
All full-time students
265 men, 248 women
Diversity: 41%

FT Undergraduate

513
Full-time undergraduate
265 men, 248 women
Diversity: 41%

FT Degree-Seeking

499
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
259 men, 240 women
Diversity: 42%

FT First-Time

150
Full-time first-time students
90 men, 60 women
Diversity: 39%

FT Continuing

349
Full-time continuing students
169 men, 180 women
Diversity: 44%

Part-Time Students

All Students

1,047
All students total
485 men, 562 women
Diversity: 36%

Transfer

132
Transfer-in students
54 men, 78 women
Diversity: 52%

Continuing

400
Continuing students
169 men, 231 women
Diversity: 38%

Non-Degree

314
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
150 men, 164 women
Diversity: 20%

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

3,025
White
61
Black/African American
226
Hispanic/Latino
69
Asian
12
International
Diversity Index: 39% Minority Students: 21%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

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

View Student Outcomes

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 Western Dakota 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 Western Dakota Technical College's Student Body

• Training Environment: Mid-sized training facility with 1,893 students providing focused career preparation and hands-on experience.
• Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (106.9%) in a traditional academic setting.
• Academic Intensity: 817 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
• Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
• 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

6057182400

Address

800 Mickelson Dr

Rapid City, SD 57703-4018

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