Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) is celebrating significant growth in student enrollment and outstanding graduate success outcomes.
This fall, WDTC’s total headcount reached 1,296 students—an 8.1% increase over Fall 2024. The number of degree-seeking students rose by 9.3%, while dual enrollment with high school students also climbed by 4.1%, totaling 411 students.
The good news continues with WDTC’s 2024 graduate placement* results. The college reports a 100% overall placement rate, meaning all graduates are either employed, continuing their education, or are enlisted in the military. Impressively, 96% of graduates are working in their field of study, with 93% employed in South Dakota. One year after commencement, WDTC graduates working in their field earn an average wage of $27.48 an hour. This is the highest wage reported by the state’s technical colleges and a 9.7% increase over what WDTC graduates reported the previous year.
“Our enrollment growth and placement results show the power of technical education to change lives,” said Dr. Kendra Ericson, WDTC President. “Students are choosing WDTC because we provide a fast track to high-need, great-paying careers. With nearly 40 programs—most of which can be completed in two years or less—our graduates are not only building better futures for themselves and their families, they are also strengthening the workforce and communities across South Dakota.”
*One hundred percent of Western Dakota Tech's most recent graduates are working, continuing their education, or are enlisted in the military, per the WDTC 2024 Placement Report. There were 249 respondents out of 286 graduates surveyed. [*Placement information is derived from graduate surveys, faculty-collected data, placement surveys started six months after graduation, and the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation. Overall placement rate is figured by: (responding graduates employed, continuing education, or in military service)/(responding graduates who are seeking employment). The number of program graduates are unduplicated by CIP code.]
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ABOUT WESTERN DAKOTA TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) was established in 1968 and is the only technical college serving the western South Dakota region.
WDTC offers nearly 40 programs in a variety of fields, including Business and Computers, Construction and Manufacturing, Energy and Environmental Technologies, Health Sciences, Legal and Public Services, and Transportation Technologies.
One hundred percent of Western Dakota Tech's most recent graduates are working, continuing their education, or are enlisted in the military, per the WDTC 2024 Placement Report. There were 249 respondents out of 286 graduates surveyed. [*Placement information is derived from graduate surveys, faculty-collected data, placement surveys started six months after graduation, and the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation. Overall placement rate is figured by: (responding graduates employed, continuing education, or in military service)/(responding graduates who are seeking employment). The number of program graduates are unduplicated by CIP code.]
Western Dakota Technical College faculty, staff, and administration focus their efforts on helping students gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed. Through hands-on learning, internships, and industry partnerships, Western Dakota Tech students graduate ready to make a real and immediate contribution to their employers and to their communities.
For information about WDTC, call (800) 544-8765 or (605) 718-2565 or send an email to Admissions@wdt.edu. Visit us on the web at wdt.edu.
