- 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 2,217 students (68% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 11:1 is higher than the state community college average of 9:1.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority American and Black), which is less than the state average of 19%.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Enrollment: 2,217 students
- In-state tuition: $4,930
- Out-state tuition: $4,930
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Student:teacher ratio: 11:1
- Minority enrollment: 10%
- 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:
Category
Attribute
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 208 teachers has grown by 87% over five years.
Lake Area Technical College
(SD) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Four or more 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 7% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 11:1 has stayed the same over five years.
The Lake Area Technical College diversity score of 0.19 is less than the state average of 0.34. The school's diversity has grown by 7% over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,217 students
1,553 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
9:1

# Full-Time Students
1,509 students
845 students

# Part-Time Students
708 students
708 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
200 students
200 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,509 students
1,193 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
123 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
708 students
708 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
209 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
202 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
3%
3%

% Asian
1%
2%

% Hispanic
1%
4%

% Black
1%
5%

% White
90%
81%

% Two or more races
n/a
2%
% Unknown races
3%
3%


Diversity Score
0.19
0.34

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
68%
57%

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.14%
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 6% 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 6% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,930
$5,786

Out-State Tuition Fees
$4,930
$5,786

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
93%
93%

Median Debt for Graduates
$12,000
$12,000

Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500

Acceptance Rate
60%
60%

Source: 2021 (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: Least debt for graduating students.
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