South Dakota Mines Sees Continued Enrollment Momentum, Largest Transfer Class in Nearly a Decade

South Dakota Mines is beginning the fall term with a strong enrollment momentum, welcoming nearly 2,500 students to campus, including a freshman class approaching 500.

The incoming class is larger than last year, continuing the university’s strong appeal among students pursuing science, engineering and technology. At the same time, Mines reported nearly 80 transfer students this fall, the university’s largest transfer class since 2017, and a nearly 28 percent increase over fall 2025.

The growth in those two areas reflects the value students place on the university’s education and the opportunities available to them as they prepare for careers in STEM.

“South Dakota Mines has remained relatively steady, reflecting both the value of a Mines degree and the growing national demand for engineers and scientists to drive innovation, economic growth and national security,” said Mines President Brian Tande, Ph.D.

For students transferring to Mines, the path to a STEM degree can begin well before they arrive on campus. Mines has articulation agreements with a variety of institutions, creating a streamlined roadmap for students interested in continuing their journey in STEM.

One of those students is sophomore mechanical engineering major Shon West, who transferred from Casper College to continue his education and play soccer for the Hardrockers. For West, the university’s emphasis on preparing students for their careers was a major draw.

“I would highly recommend transferring to Mines because you will be able to earn your degree, but also your future after college is valued very highly,” he said. “To go along with academics, there is so much more the school offers, such as sporting games, intramurals, clubs, activities and more to add to the experience of being a Mines student.”

The relationship between Mines and Gillette College is another example of how transfer partnerships can help students build a clear path toward a STEM career.

Rob Livingston, a Mines alumnus and instructor of engineering and geology at Gillette College, said the partnership with his alma mater has been a huge benefit to his students who continue their studies at Mines. “Mines has a culture and is a school that truly cares about the student and their success,” Livingston said. “From the student ambassadors to the heads of the departments, GCC students feel welcome. One student told me when they finished a tour, they felt that, ‘these are my people.’” 

Given the significant commitment required to pursue and complete an engineering degree, having a clear pathway to a four-year institution can make a significant difference. “Students need to know that their hard work and dedication will lead them to an institute of higher learning that is committed as they are. South Dakota Mines is very good at this,” Livingston said.

Livingston said the success stories from the partnership are numerous. He frequently hears from students and parents about job offers, promotions and increased confidence after continuing their education at Mines.

“The culture at Mines is set up to allow the student to grow and develop into mature and confident students,” he said.

The focus on career preparation is a central part of the Mines experience. Students gain practical experience through hands-on learning, research and industry partnerships, preparing them to tackle real-world challenges in fields that are helping shape South Dakota and the nation’s future, including energy, manufacturing technology and defense.

 “Our job is to create professional engineers and scientists who can go out and have a real-world impact,” Tande said.

Mines plays a key role in technology-based economic growth throughout the state. The university is working alongside Elevate Rapid City, the Sanford Underground Research Facility and Ellsworth Air Force Base, among other industry partners, to build an economic ecosystem that aims to increase the number of high-paying STEM jobs across the region.

The career outcomes for Mines graduates demonstrate the value. The university’s most recent graduates earned an average starting salary of $76,805 and had a 94 percent placement rate in their field of study or graduate school. Graduates who completed an internship or co-op had a 97 percent placement rate.

As Mines begins another academic year, the continued growth in both first-time students and transfers underscores the university’s role as a destination for students looking to turn their interest in STEM into a career.

See more on university enrollment from the South Dakota Board of Regents.