What The New Tuition Hikes Mean For Students In South Dakota

The more than 36,000 students enrolled at South Dakota's six public universities will be paying more for tuition in the next academic year.

The South Dakota Board of Regents has approved a 2.4 percent rate increase for 2026-2027 for students at Northern State University, South Dakota State University, Dakota State University, University of South Dakota, and Black Hills State University.

In a press release, the board said the 'adjustment' will support 'technology investments, ensure university security, and maintain innovation and academic excellence.'

Students at South Dakota Mines will see tuition increase five percent next school year for 'expansion and higher demand for experiential, hands-on learning.'

“Our public universities are engines of opportunity,” said BOR Board President Jeff Partridge. “The investments we make today help ensure students have the tools, experiences, and support necessary to succeed in South Dakota’s growing economy and contribute to the future of our state.”

“Our public universities are essential in providing accessible higher education opportunities for all residents of South Dakota,” said BOR Executive Director Nathan Lukkes. “We remain dedicated to ensuring that every student can pursue a first-rate college degree close to home at an affordable cost.”

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Do You Know Your South Dakota College and University Mascots

The college football experience is an ultimate high for football fans and it takes several other teams to make that happen week after week during the season.

Just think about what goes into gameday.

First and foremost, the players and coaching staff who put in hours and hours of practice and training to play in front of their fans. Then there's field prep, game officials, live broadcasts, concessions, and on-the-field entertainment. Yep, entertainment.

Second to the game, who do you watch? The cheerleaders? The band at halftime? What about the mascot? That's a job not many people can do.

I asked Sioux Falls native and former Cagey mascot for the Sioux Falls Canaries and Little Red & Herbie for the Nebraska Huskers Nate Welch about being a mascot:

What does it take to be a mascot?
"Losing a bet or filling an opportunity!" Welch says, "An internal energized desire to love life. After meeting great performers who are introverts out of costume, they become the center of attention when they take the stage. And also feeding off the performance of others."
Why does the mascot never talk?
"Know your role and shut your mouth. You are there to entertain. Tell the story with your actions and not your voice."
Advice to someone putting on that costume for the first time?
"Remember you are now in a costume. Have fun. Otherwise, you're just a dork in tights. If the fur ain't flying you ain't trying."

So, can you name the mascots at our South Dakota Colleges and Universities? Check out the gallery below:

Gallery Credit: Dave Roberts