- Western Dakota Technical Institute is a public institution of higher learning where students acquire the knowledge, skills and behaviors necessary for successful employment.
School Highlights
Western Dakota Technical College serves 1,831 students (35% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the state community college average of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority American), which is less than the state average of 25%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 1,831 students
- In-state tuition: $5,960
- Out-state tuition: $5,960
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Student:teacher ratio: 17:1
- Minority enrollment: 21%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Western Dakota Technical College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
School Resources
School Overview
The teacher population of 109 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Western Dakota Technical College
(SD) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Career & Technical-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
109 staff
208 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Western Dakota Technical College has grown by 50% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 has increased from 11:1 over five years.
The Western Dakota Technical College diversity score of 0.37 is less than the state average of 0.43. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,831 students
1,407 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
12:1
# Full-Time Students
639 students
295 students
# Part-Time Students
1,192 students
1,026 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
183 students
183 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
639 students
160 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
135 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,192 students
1,026 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
182 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
7%
3%
% Asian
2%
2%
% Hispanic
3%
5%
% Black
1%
7%
% White
79%
75%
% Hawaiian
n/a
2%
% Two or more races
4%
2%
% Unknown races
3%
4%
Diversity Score
0.37
0.43
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.5267%
0.5843%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.3333%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$35,600
$38,900
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $5,960 is more than the state average of $5,786. The in-state tuition has declined by 27% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,960 is more than the state average of $5,786. The out-state tuition has declined by 27% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,960
$5,786
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,960
$5,786
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
97%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$13,375
$12,000
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
97%
56%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Western Dakota Tech is located in Rapid City in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. Western Dakota Technical Institute provides quality technical educational opportunities to residents of South Dakota and across the country. Western Dakota Tech is one of four State-supported postsecondary technical institutes in South Dakota. The college offer 25 different career programs ranging in length from 9 to 18 months. Western Dakota Tech grants Associate of Applied Science degrees and diplomas upon successful completion of individual program requirements. Through the Business and Industry Training Center a wide variety of non-credit classes, workshops, teleconferences and seminars are available to assist residents in enhancing one's personal or professional skills. The college offers programs in Accounting, Ag-Resources Tech Ag-Business, Ag-Resources Tech Equine Management, Ag-Resources Tech Natural Resources, Ag-Resources Tech Ranch Management, Automotive Technician, Business Management & Marketing, Cabinetry/Fine Woodworking, Carpentry, Collision Repair, Computer Aided Drafting, Computer Networking Specialist-Net Admin Computer Networking Specialist-Prog, Disability/Human Services Technician, Electronics & Computer Technician, Fire Science, Health Unit Coordinator, Industrial Electronics, Law Enforcement Technology, Medical Administrative Services, Medical Transcriptionist, Paralegal/Legal Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy/Laboratory Assistant, Practical Nursing, Public Safety Telecom Operator, Surgical Technology and Welding/Manufacturing. Our small class sizes combined with extensive hands-on experience create a personalized education that assures our graduates are well prepared for success in today's job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Western Dakota Technical College cost?
Western Dakota Technical College's tuition is approximately $5,960 for In-State students and $5,960 for Out-State students.
What schools are Western Dakota Technical College often compared to?
Western Dakota Technical Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like National American University-Rapid City by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Western Dakota Technical College?
The acceptance rate of Western Dakota Technical College is 97%, which is higher than the state average of 56%.
What is Western Dakota Technical College's ranking?
Western Dakota Technical College ranks among the top 20% of community college in South Dakota for: Percent of students receiving financial aid.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Western Dakota Technical College is National American University-Rapid City (4.5 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Students
National American University-Rapid City
Private for-profit
5301 Mount Rushmore Road
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-4800
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-4800
4.5 miles
| 1,876 students
Eastern Wyoming College
Public
3200 West C St
Torrington, WY 82240
(307) 532-8200
Torrington, WY 82240
(307) 532-8200
147.5 miles
| 1,828 students
1601 East 27th Street
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
(308) 635-3606
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
(308) 635-3606
154.0 miles
| 2,012 students
1 Whitney Way
Sheridan, WY 82801
(307) 675-0505
Sheridan, WY 82801
(307) 675-0505
191.8 miles
| 4,559 students
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