Dickinson State University (DSU) has released its official fall 2025 enrollment numbers, reporting a slight decrease while emphasizing its continued focus on academic quality, workforce-readiness, student success, and sustainable growth.
Total headcount for fall 2025 is 1,374, a 2.55 percent decrease from 1,410 in fall 2024. Full-time enrollment dropped 1.84 percent, from 922 to 905 students, and full-time equivalent credit hours decreased by 1.77 percent, from 1,120.31 to 1,100.46.
University leadership acknowledged the enrollment dip while reaffirming their commitment to supporting students and strengthening academic programs. The growing skepticism about higher education, the availability high-paying jobs that only require a high school diploma, and the nationwide demographic cliff of graduating high school seniors are some of the cited reasons for the possible decline, as well as recent organizational shifts in programs offered.
"While our enrollment numbers reflect some of the broader challenges facing higher education nationwide, we remain focused on academic excellence and student success," said Dr. Holly Gruhlke, provost and vice president for academic affairs. "We are committed to creating pathways that help students succeed from the moment they enroll through graduation and beyond."
President Scott Molander echoed that sentiment, noting that the university’s long-term strategy is centered on student experience and community impact.
"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 decline, DSU continues to invest in programs, services, and partnerships that support enrollment, retention and workforce development across western North Dakota and beyond.