Western Dakota Technical Institute is a public institution of higher learning where students acquire the knowledge, skills and behaviors necessary for successful employment.
School Highlights
Western Dakota Technical College serves 1,164 students (46% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the state community college average of 18:1.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority American and Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 24%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
Enrollment: 1,164 students
In-state tuition: $5,960
Out-state tuition: $5,960
Student-teacher ratio: 16:1
Minority enrollment: 22%
Source: Verified school update
School Overview
The teacher population of 71 teachers has declined by 34% over five years.
The student population of Western Dakota Technical College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 has increased from 11:1 over five years.
The Western Dakota Technical College diversity score of 0.38 is less than the state average of 0.41. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
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Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.5267%
n/a
Tuition & Financial Aid
The public in-state tuition of $5,960 is more than the state average of $5,786. The in-state tuition has declined by 28% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,960 is more than the state average of $5,786. The out-state tuition has declined by 28% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,960
$5,786
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,960
$5,786
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
85%
84%
Median Debt for Graduates
$13,375
$12,000
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
Western Dakota Tech is located in Rapid City in the beautiful
Black Hills of South Dakota. Western Dakota Technical Institute
provides quality technical educational opportunities to residents
of South Dakota and across the country. Western Dakota Tech is one
of four State-supported postsecondary technical institutes in South
Dakota. The college offer 25 different career programs ranging in
length from 9 to 18 months. Western Dakota Tech grants Associate of
Applied Science degrees and diplomas upon successful completion of
individual program requirements. Through the Business and Industry
Training Center a wide variety of non-credit classes, workshops,
teleconferences and seminars are available to assist residents in
enhancing one's personal or professional skills. The college offers
programs in Accounting, Ag-Resources Tech Ag-Business, Ag-Resources
Tech Equine Management, Ag-Resources Tech Natural Resources,
Ag-Resources Tech Ranch Management, Automotive Technician, Business
Management & Marketing, Cabinetry/Fine Woodworking, Carpentry,
Collision Repair, Computer Aided Drafting, Computer Networking
Specialist-Net Admin Computer Networking Specialist-Prog,
Disability/Human Services Technician, Electronics & Computer
Technician, Fire Science, Health Unit Coordinator, Industrial
Electronics, Law Enforcement Technology, Medical Administrative
Services, Medical Transcriptionist, Paralegal/Legal Assistant,
Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy/Laboratory Assistant, Practical
Nursing, Public Safety Telecom Operator, Surgical Technology and
Welding/Manufacturing. Our small class sizes combined with
extensive hands-on experience create a personalized education that
assures our graduates are well prepared for success in today's job
market.
Learn how to evaluate licensure pass rates before enrolling in community college career programs, compare exam results, identify warning signs, and choose training that supports professional licensing and employment goals.
A college course may transfer without counting toward your major. Learn how to check degree requirements, identify elective credits, avoid graduation delays, and protect your community college transfer plan.
Should you transfer with 45 credits, 60 credits, or an associate degree? Compare university requirements, tuition savings, graduation timelines, and transfer benefits to choose the best path for your goals.
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.
