Lake Area Technical College

1201 Arrow Avenue
Watertown, SD 57201
Top Ranked (2025): View Rankings
  • Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution of higher education dedicated to excellence in providing individuals with both technical and general education, thereby creating a foundation for career success and instilling a belief in the importance of lifelong learning.

School Highlights

Lake Area Technical College serves 2,655 students (61% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the state community college average of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American), which is more than the state average of 25%.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Enrollment: 2,655 students
  • In-state tuition: $4,930
  • Out-state tuition: $4,930
  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • Student:teacher ratio: 13:1
  • Minority enrollment: 9%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Top Rankings

Lake Area Technical College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:

School Overview

The teacher population of 208 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Lake Area Technical College
(SD) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Career & Technical-High Traditional
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
208 staff
208 staff
School Calendar

Student Body

The student population of Lake Area Technical College has grown by 19% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 13:1 has increased from 11:1 over five years.
The Lake Area Technical College diversity score of 0.17 is less than the state average of 0.43. The school's diversity has declined by 9% over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,655 students
1,321 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
12:1
# Full-Time Students
1,629 students
295 students
# Part-Time Students
1,026 students
1,026 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
265 students
183 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,629 students
160 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
135 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,026 students
1,026 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
182 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
2%
3%
% Asian
1%
2%
% Hispanic
2%
5%
% Black
1%
7%
% White
91%
75%
% Hawaiian
n/a
2%
% Two or more races
n/a
2%
% Non Resident races
n/a
n/a
% Unknown races
3%
4%
Diversity Score
0.17
0.43
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
70%
58%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
33%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$36,600
$38,900

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

The public in-state tuition of $4,930 is less than the state average of $5,786. The in-state tuition has declined by 28% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $4,930 is less than the state average of $5,786. The out-state tuition has declined by 28% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,930
$5,786
Out-State Tuition Fees
$4,930
$5,786
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
97%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$12,000
$12,000
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
60%
60%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

School Notes

  • Lake Area Technical Institute offers superior, comprehensive technical education,creating a foundation for success in an ever-changing world. The college offers training and education in Agriculture, Business, Health and Trade & Technical. Lake Area Technical Institute offers training for exciting careers in computer Programming, Networking, Cisco/Networking, Graphic and Web Design. All of these programs are 20 months in length. Since the first semester for all options is the same, the decision to specialize can be made later. The college is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Lake Area Technical College cost?
Lake Area Technical College's tuition is approximately $4,930 for In-State students and $4,930 for Out-State students.
What schools are Lake Area Technical College often compared to?
Lake Area Technical Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like Mitchell Technical College, Southeast Technical College by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Lake Area Technical College?
The acceptance rate of Lake Area Technical College is 60%, which is equal to the state average of 60%.
What is Lake Area Technical College's ranking?
Lake Area Technical College ranks among the top 20% of community college in South Dakota for: Percent of students receiving financial aid and Least debt for graduating students.

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Enrollment: 2,655 students
  • In-state tuition: $4,930
  • Out-state tuition: $4,930
  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • Student:teacher ratio: 13:1
  • Minority enrollment: 9%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Related School Videos

Did You Know?

For South Dakota public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $5,786 per year for in-state students and $5,786 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $13,287 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.

South Dakota community colleges have a diversity score of 0.43, which is lower than the national average of 0.74. The most diverse community college in South Dakota is National American University-Rapid City. Read more about community college diversity statistics in the USA.

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