SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — After a drop in public university enrollment in South Dakota this year, the university system’s board of regents is taking notice.
Board president Kevin Schieffer says they believe they can manage the drop in revenue for at least one year without major changes.
Schieffer says if that trend doesn’t change soon, they will have to make other plans.
“That’s the thing you want to avoid, affecting the quality of education,” Schieffer said.
Schieffer says too much budget pressure is being put on student tuition.
“The cost of education in South Dakota is significantly lower than a lot of our surrounding states, but the portion that is funded through tuition is relatively higher,” Schieffer said. “So that’s where the rub is at the end of the day.”
The Regents will pursue the Dakota’s Promise scholarship as their top legislative priority next year.
Jerry Oster, WNAX-AM, contributed to this report.
