CANTON, S.D. (WNAX) – The South Dakota Board of Regents reported fall enrollment down just over three percent at the six state universities.

Senator Jim Bolin of Canton is a member of the Education Committee and says it appears a number of high school students are bypassing the university system.

Bolin says the rising costs of a four year degree is also a factor.

Bolin says the university system will be one of many asking for more state dollars from the 2020 legislative session.

USD enrollment was down over two percent, SDSU was down over four percent and Northern was down over five percent.