- 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 2,312 students (63% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is same as the state community college average of 18:1.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American), which is more than the state average of 24%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 2,312 students
- In-state tuition: $4,930
- Out-state tuition: $4,930
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
- 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:
Category
Attribute
School Resources
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 125 teachers has declined by 39% over five years.
Lake Area Technical College
(SD) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Private not-for-profit
Total Faculty
125 staff
71 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Lake Area Technical College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 has increased from 11:1 over five years.
The Lake Area Technical College diversity score of 0.17 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has declined by 9% over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,312 students
903 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
18:1
# Full-Time Students
1,464 students
151 students
# Part-Time Students
848 students
692 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
2,312 students
767 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,464 students
145 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
848 students
655 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
2%
5%
% Asian
1%
1%
% Hispanic
3%
5%
% Black
1%
6%
% White
91%
76%
% Unknown races
1%
4%
Diversity Score
0.17
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
70%
70%
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 26% 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 26% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,930
$5,786
Out-State Tuition Fees
$4,930
$5,786
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
91%
84%
Median Debt for Graduates
$12,000
$12,000
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
60%
60%
Source: 2025 (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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