Most Siouxland universities and colleges have reported enrollment growth this year compared to previous years, and some have reported record-breaking figures.
Universities and colleges around the area have released their 10th-day enrollment data, a metric used by the higher education community to review student body changes each semester.
Here’s a look at total enrollments this fall, compared to last year, for schools in the Journal’s circulation area.
Briar Cliff University, Sioux City
2025: 1,458
2024: 947
2023: 941
2022: 928
2021: 1,001
Briar Cliff University has reported a record-breaking enrollment this fall, the largest in the university’s history.
A majority of the growth was associated with the creation of their “On-Demand” platform, a way to offer courses nationwide, according to a news release. The program reports 573 students enrolled.
“We are proud to serve more students than ever before in Briar Cliff’s history,” said Matthew Draud, president of Briar Cliff University. “Our record headcount reflects the collective effort of our enrollment team, the energy of our campus community, and the University’s adaptability in meeting student needs, both on campus and beyond.”
Other changes associated with the growth include new scholarship initiatives aimed at keeping Briar Cliff affordable, including the Iowa Tuition Commitment, Catholic Connection Scholarship, and the expanded Promise Scholarship. The University also added new programs to the mix, including Engineering, through a dual-degree partnership with the University of North Dakota, according to a news release.
Morningside University, Sioux City
2025: Did not provide
2024: 2,056
2023: 2,156
2022: 2,180
2021: 2,319
Morningside University reported the largest first-year class in its modern history. They had more than 400 full-time undergraduate students enrolled, according to a news release.
“We’re welcoming the largest first-year class in Morningside’s modern history, and that speaks volumes about the students and families who see themselves as part of our community,” said Steph Peters, vice president for enrollment management. “With initiatives like Siouxland Proud, Mside Bound, we’re showing our commitment to the region by offering tuition aid packages to deserving students across Siouxland.
They also reported students from 18 states and 21 countries. Of their students, 43 percent of the incoming class are Iowans.
Western Iowa Tech Community College, Sioux City
2025: 5,381
2024: Not provided
2023: 5,076
2022: 5,152
2021: 5,451
Western Iowa Tech Community College saw a slight decrease in enrollment compared to last year.
The college reported a 2.2 percent decrease in students, according to a news release.
“While enrollment is slightly lower, we are excited for the year ahead and remain focused on helping students thrive and achieve their goals. We continue to expand hands-on learning opportunities, strengthen academic support, and provide flexible options for students to learn on campus, online, or in the community,” according to a statement. “In line with our mission to elevate diverse learners and strengthen communities, we remain committed to delivering inclusive and innovative education.”
Dordt University, Sioux Center
2025: 2,077
2024: 1,943
2023: 1,911
2022: 1,858
2021: 1,786
Dordt University has reported growth in enrollment for the fifth year in a row.
“This year’s numbers exceeded even our most optimistic expectations,” says Greg Van Dyke, vice president for enrollment. “It’s a tremendous blessing to see so many students eager to join the Dordt community.”
The total enrollment includes 1,655 full-time undergraduate students and 247 graduate students.
University of South Dakota, Vermillion
2025: 10,405
2024: 10,619
2023: 9,868
2022: 9,856
2021: 9,464
The University of South Dakota reported its second-highest enrollment in history.
The university reported total enrollment has increased 5.4 percent over the past two years, according to a news release.
“USD is proud to provide a high-quality education that positions students for success in their careers,” said USD President Sheila K. Gestring. “In and beyond the classroom, our students are gaining the skills and experiences they need — and that is evident when they join the workforce. From our health systems to boardrooms, USD graduates are leading the way in their fields and serving South Dakota.”
The university’s Sioux Falls campus had an overall headcount increase of 19.1 percent from last fall. The graduate programs with the highest enrollment include business administration, social work, educational administration and leadership, and computer science.
At the undergraduate level, nursing, kinesiology and sport management, medical biology, psychology and elementary education saw the highest enrollment.
Northeast Community College, Norfolk
2025: 5,890
2024: 5,601
2023: 5,503
2022: 5,219
2021: 5,072
Northeast Community College reported enrollment growth for the fourth year in a row and its largest first-time freshman class in more than a decade.
The college reported a 7 percent increase compared to last fall, according to a news release.
“We are proud to be the college of choice for so many students,” said Leah Barrett, president of Northeast. “This growth demonstrates the strong appeal of our programs. Whether students are preparing to transfer to a four-year institution, training for high-demand careers in the trades, or pursuing one of the many other pathways Northeast offers, they know we are here to help them succeed.”
The college enrolled 1,014 first-time freshmen this fall, representing a 10% increase over Fall 2024 and 13% more high school students are taking advantage of Northeast’s tuition-free courses compared to Fall 2024.
Northwestern College, Orange City
2025: 1,665
2024: 1,719
2023: 1,715
2022: 1,712
2021: 1,585
Northwestern College reported its fourth-largest fall enrollment in school history.
They also had the fourth-largest enrollment of graduate students, at 471, according to a news release.
“We’re grateful to welcome another large freshman class,” said Tamara Fynaardt, Northwestern’s vice president for enrollment and marketing. “Especially in the current higher education environment of program cuts, contracting budgets and even failing institutions, it’s a testimony to God’s faithfulness that Northwestern continues to flourish on multiple fronts.”
Northwestern reported a total of 354 new students, including 37 transfers, the highest number of transfers in nine years. It also reported international students make up 5.5% of Northwestern’s traditional undergraduates, an 11-year high.
Northwest Iowa Community College, Sheldon
2025: 2,009
2024: 1,907
2023: 1,792
2022: 1,811
2021: 1,716
Northwest Iowa Community College reported the largest fall class in the college’s history.
This is the first time the college has surpassed 2,000 students, with a 5.35 percent increase from last year, according to a news release.
“We are grateful to see our fall enrollment reach new heights again this year. Having two consecutive years of record-breaking growth, and a decade of steady progress, reminds us that students and families trust NCC to deliver on our promise of quality, affordable, hands-on education,” said Kristin Kollbaum, director of marketing & communications.
NCC’s fall enrollment has grown from 1,612 students in 2015 to 2,009 in 2025—a nearly 25% increase.
Wayne State College, Wayne
2025: Not provided
2024: Not provided
2023: 4,595
2022: 4,394
2021: 4,249
Wayne State College reported stable enrollment compared to last year.
It also had a freshman class of more than 750 students, in the top 10 historically for the college, according to a news release.
”Wayne State saw a 1.36% increase in our returning students. We also have a retention rate (of freshmen to sophomores) of 75.5%, which is up 3.5% this year. The average retention rate for an open enrollment college of our size is between 59% and 62%,” according to the news release.
Buena Vista University, Storm Lake
2025: 836 undergraduate students
2024: 810 undergraduate students
2023: 800 undergraduate students
2022: 1,973
2021: 1,959
Buena Vista University reported its largest student body since 2015 and its largest incoming class since 2013.
“Welcoming our largest Storm Lake class in a decade is a powerful statement about BVU’s momentum,” said Buena Vista University President Brian A. Lenzmeier, Ph.D. “Every year, our transformational programs are preparing more students for lifelong success, strengthening our region, and ensuring BVU is building for the future.”
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Caitlin Yamada
Education and county government reporter
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