South Dakota universities’ Native American enrollment rises to pre-pandemic level

South Dakota universities’ Native American enrollment rises to pre-pandemic level

A sign marks an entrance to Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota, on Aug. 28, 2024. (Photo by Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight)Native American student enrollment at South Dakota public universities has returned to its pre-pandemic level, according to a new report. Black Hills State University in Spearfish had 227 Native American students during the 2025-26 school year, up 49 from 178 the year before. That 28% increase was …