BROOKINGS, S.D.(KJJQ)- Enrollment for Fall 2023 is up one-and-a-half percent at South Dakota State University, growing to 11,505 students, up from last year’s enrollment of 11,331.

In addition, first-time student enrollment increased nearly four-percent to 2275 students. That’s the third-largest first-year class in SDSU history. University President Barry Dunn says it’s the second straight year for a big increase in freshman.

Those successes included a national championship season for the football team.

Dunn says retention is also outstanding and that has been a priority.

Total credit hours are an important number for the university and they’re up this fall by more than 2000.

International student numbers are also up, growing by 81 to 702 students.

System-wide enrollment at the six public universities was up two-percent.