Central ND News

Dickinson State University (DSU) has announced its official enrollment numbers for fall 2025, showing a slight decline compared to the previous year. The university reported a total headcount of 1,374 students, which represents a 2.55 percent decrease from the 1,410 students enrolled in fall 2024. Full-time enrollment also fell by 1.84 percent, from 922 to 905 students. Additionally, full-time equivalent credit hours dropped by 1.77 percent.

University officials pointed to several factors that may have contributed to the lower enrollment figures. These include increasing skepticism about higher education, more high-paying jobs available to those with only a high school diploma, demographic shifts resulting in fewer graduating high school seniors nationwide, and recent changes in academic programs offered at DSU.

Dr. Holly Gruhlke, provost and vice president for academic affairs at DSU, addressed these challenges: "While our enrollment numbers reflect some of the broader challenges facing higher education nationwide, we remain focused on academic excellence and student success," Gruhlke said. "We are committed to creating pathways that help students succeed from the moment they enroll through graduation and beyond."

President Scott Molander emphasized that DSU’s long-term strategy remains focused on enhancing student experience and community engagement. "Dickinson State has always played a vital role in serving our students and our region, and that commitment has not changed," Molander said. "We are taking a thoughtful approach to growth, one that prioritizes student experience, regional workforce opportunities, community engagement, and long-term sustainability."

Despite the dip in enrollment numbers this fall semester, Dickinson State University continues investing in initiatives aimed at supporting student retention as well as workforce development efforts throughout western North Dakota.