Sioux Falls Graduate College Enrollment Has Declined

The Sioux Falls School District reports that postsecondary enrollment among its graduates fell to 54% in 2025.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Secondary Education

Flat opaque gouache-painted illustration of a graduation cap sitting on a stack of textbooks, symbolizing shifting educational outcomes in Sioux Falls. — The Sioux Falls School District reported that postsecondary enrollment among its 2025 graduates declined to 54%, down from 61% in 2018. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Data from the Sioux Falls School District shows that student enrollment in postsecondary institutions dropped to 54% in 2025, down from 61% in 2018. This shift comes as the district updates its Career and Technical Education standards to meet changing workforce demands.

Why it matters

The district aims to better align student preparation with the rising prevalence of postsecondary requirements for future employment. Projections indicate that 71% of jobs will require some form of postsecondary education by 2031, compared to just 67% in 2021.

In the most recent academic tracking, 88% of district students achieved a bronze ranking or higher on the NCRC career readiness exam. Major local destinations for graduates include the University of South Dakota with 1,293 students and South Dakota State University with 1,215.

The players

Sioux Falls School District

This public school system manages the primary and secondary education of students residing in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

University of South Dakota

This is a public research university located in Vermillion that remains a top destination for Sioux Falls graduates.

South Dakota State University

This is a public land-grant research university based in Brookings that serves as a primary higher education choice for regional students.

The details

The Sioux Falls School District conducted this annual report to track long-term graduate outcomes and adjust its educational strategy. The district now utilizes NCRC exam results as a primary metric to measure how prepared students are for the modern workforce.

In 1983, 32% of jobs required postsecondary education.
In 2018, 61% of graduates enrolled in postsecondary institutions.
In 2021, 67% of jobs required postsecondary education.
In 2025, 54% of graduates enrolled in postsecondary institutions.
By 2031, 71% of jobs are projected to require postsecondary education.

Culture Shift

This decline reflects a broader societal tension where traditional college-bound paths are being re-evaluated against the backdrop of changing workforce requirements. The district is repositioning its curriculum to bridge the gap between classroom readiness and the evolving demands of the modern economy.

Students and parents should note that the district is prioritizing Career and Technical Education to improve job readiness for graduates not immediately entering college. These changes may alter course selection processes and available vocational training opportunities within local high schools.

The takeaway

As workforce requirements shift, students should prioritize gaining industry-recognized credentials regardless of their chosen postsecondary path. Developing career-ready skills remains a vital strategy for long-term employability in an evolving job market.