South Dakota State University’s fall enrollment has reached its highest point since 2017, with a total of 12,139 students.

The numbers, released by university officials Thursday, highlight an increase in students from South Dakota and one of the highest student retention rates in the university’s history.

The total headcount is an increase from last year’s 12,065 students and features the fourth-largest incoming class in university history with 2,276 new first-time students. According to the South Dakota Board of Regents, SDSU’s enrollment is nearly 34% of the state’s public university system.

The growth is driven largely by an increase in South Dakota residents choosing SDSU. More than 56% of the student body is from South Dakota, a 2.3% increase from last year. Seventeen percent of first-time students are from the Sioux Falls metro area.

“South Dakota State University is the destination of choice for students in our state, across the region and around the world,” SDSU President Barry Dunn said in a news release. “The growth we are experiencing, particularly among South Dakotans, is a strong vote of confidence.”

The university is also retaining students at a high rate. SDSU reported an 83% retention rate, the second-highest ever for the university. This marks the fifth time in six years that retention has been above 80%.

The university also saw an increase in the number of doctoral students to 280. That demographic is a key area in SDSU’s push to become an R1 research university.

“South Dakota State University is committed to continue its path to reach R1 status,” Dunn said. “Continuing to show progress in our Ph.D. programs is a strong indicator we are on the right path to achieve that goal.”

The top majors at SDSU are in fields with high demand. The top five include nursing, business economics, engineering, animal science and human biology.

“These numbers show that students and families continue to see SDSU as the best investment in higher education, one that leads to meaningful careers, service to communities and a lifetime of impact,” Dunn said.