South Dakota universities’ Native American enrollment rises to pre-pandemic level

Native American student enrollment at South Dakota's public universities has rebounded to pre-pandemic numbers, reflecting a significant cultural and educational recovery. Black Hills State University saw a notable 28% increase, with 227 Native American students in the 2025-26 school year, up from 178 the previous year. This uptick signifies a positive trend in higher education accessibility and the importance of supporting Native American communities in overcoming the setbacks caused by the pandemic. The overall 6% growth across the university system underscores broader efforts to enhance diversity and inclusivity in academic settings.