BROOKINGS, S.D. (WNAX) – The South Dakota Board of Regents reported last week a three percent drop in the number of students enrolled at the six state universities.

Barry Dunn, President of South Dakota State University, says the focus on student retention over the past few years kept the numbers from being worse.

SDSU showed a drop of about one percent, to 11,405 students. Dunn says they were tracking for an increase before Covid-19 hit.

Dunn says they continue to recruit in their core areas.

SDSU is also expanding their scholarship programs for high school students as part of their recruiting efforts.