USF Freshman Class Ties for Largest-Ever

Despite stagnant and waning enrollment at colleges and universities across the country instigated by the COVID-19 pandemic, University of Sioux Falls finds itself welcoming a large freshman class—one tied in size with its record-breaking 2019 incoming class.
 
The 138-year-old institution welcomes a student body of 1,624 students including over 1,113 full-time undergraduates, plus additional students in the institution’s well-known and well-respected graduate programs in business and education, and adult and online programs.
 
So what is USF doing differently?
 
“USF is continually evaluating what our students need to succeed in the current and changing workforce and in life, and skills our area employers need to grow and thrive,” said USF President Brett Bradfield. “This has resulted in keeping current programming relevant, the addition of new programming such as a new 4-year undergraduate major in Data Science available this fall, new associate degree offerings, and this May we even launched the first Doctorate in Leadership program from a Sioux Falls university for the Sioux Falls community and beyond.”
 
And USF offers tremendous value at a price point that’s attainable to many families.
 
USF’s 2017 announcement to reset tuition levels by $10,000 placed USF among the most affordable institutions in the region—public or private—and built upon the University’s long history of providing generous financial assistance.

“Because of USF’s size and purposeful campus culture, we are able to offer a personal, high quality and fully engaging education,” said Aimee Vander Feen, vice president for enrollment management. “USF’s brand of higher education, which is personal and transformational and Christ-centered, is within anyone’s reach, and these enrollment numbers demonstrate that.”
 
The increasing number of first-generation college students and their families entrusting USF with their education also demonstrates the support students experience at USF.
 
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, an impressive 99% of the 2020 graduating class reported employment in their chosen field or continued studies within 6 months of graduation.
 
“The pandemic has posed challenges for us all,” said Bradfield, “but thanks to the tremendous effort and perseverance of many people—from young people and students and their families, to faculty and staff, to community partners, and more—we have been able to continue living out our motto of Culture for Service and mission in fostering academic excellence and the development of mature Christian persons for service to God and humankind in the world.”
 
High school students can sign up for a Campus Preview Day this fall:
·         Thursday, October 21
·         Thursday, November 11
 
On-campus personal visits and virtual visits are also available.
 
Each May, between 400 and 500 students graduate from University of Sioux Falls. Seventy-eight percent of 2020 grads started their careers in South Dakota, and of those, 90 percent are employed in Sioux Falls or within a 30-mile radius. Overall, USF graduates reported working in 19 states.
 
With strength of vision as a distinctively Christian institution, the University confidently continues to help students grow as they gain the necessary technical and critical thinking skills for today’s careers.
 
One hundred percent of first-time, full-time freshmen at USF receive merit, performance or need-based financial aid.