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Noem’s Budget Proposal Would Hike Dual Credit Costs for South Dakota Students

Gov. Kristi Noem’s proposed budget for the next fiscal year could make it more expensive for South Dakota high school students to take dual credit courses. If passed, her plan would raise the cost for students to take college-level courses while still in high school, potentially putting a strain on families and limiting opportunities for students to get ahead in their education.

Under the current system, South Dakota students pay just one-third of the cost per credit hour, which amounts to $50.84, with the state covering the rest. However, Noem’s budget proposal would alter that arrangement, raising the student’s share to approximately $76 per credit hour—an increase of about 50%. While this would reduce the state’s spending by around $1 million annually, it could also create a significant financial burden for students and their families.

Rising Costs and Shrinking State Spending

Governor Noem’s proposed budget cuts are not isolated to dual credit courses; they come as part of a broader reduction in state spending due to declining sales tax revenues. However, the dual credit program stands out as a particularly concerning issue for education professionals and students alike.

The program, which allows high school students to take college courses through South Dakota’s public universities and technical colleges, has been a valuable option for many families. With 4,213 students enrolled in the public university portion of the program in fiscal year 2024, and another 1,849 students participating in the technical college track, the dual credit program has been an essential tool for students looking to get a jump start on higher education.

South Dakota State Capitol budget

Currently, students benefit from a significantly reduced rate for college credit—one-third of the full cost. Under the new plan, students and the state would each pay around $76 per credit hour, a shift that many fear will put the program out of reach for some families.

Notably, this increase would mean that South Dakota high school students could be paying more for dual credit courses than what they would pay for standard college courses. On average, tuition for a single credit hour at a public university in South Dakota runs around $300. This stark contrast in pricing raises questions about the fairness and accessibility of the proposal.

Benefits of Dual Credit: A Stepping Stone for Success

While the financial impact of the proposed budget cuts is a concern, it’s crucial to remember the broader value of the dual credit program. For many students, dual credit courses offer more than just a way to accumulate college credits before even stepping foot on a university campus. They serve as an introduction to higher education, boosting students’ confidence and helping them adjust to the academic rigor that will be expected of them in the future.

Ashley Seeklander, a counselor in the Aberdeen school district and government relations chair for the South Dakota School Counseling Association, highlighted the positive impacts that dual credit courses have on student outcomes. In an emailed statement, Seeklander noted that dual credit students tend to perform better in college, with higher GPAs and retention rates. These students are better prepared for the challenges of university life, giving them a head start on their degrees.

“As school counselors, we see firsthand the positive impact that the dual credit program has on student success,” Seeklander said. This sentiment is shared by many across the state, who argue that cutting funding for such a beneficial program would be a step backward for South Dakota students.

What’s at Stake: The Future of Education in South Dakota

The increase in dual credit costs isn’t the only change proposed in Noem’s budget. The governor has also recommended $4 million in new spending to create education savings accounts. These accounts would provide public funds for families to pay for private school tuition or other forms of alternative instruction, like homeschooling. While these new proposals may offer more choices for some families, they also raise concerns about the state’s commitment to public education.

For many education professionals, the concern is that a greater focus on private school funding could detract from the support and accessibility of public education programs, including dual credit. If more students opt out of the dual credit program due to financial constraints, the state could lose out on the opportunity to engage high school students with South Dakota’s public universities and technical colleges.

The South Dakota Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s public universities, is also wary of the potential consequences of the proposed fee increase. Nathan Lukkes, the executive director of the Board, stressed that connecting with high school students is key for the long-term success of public universities. According to Lukkes, about 60% of dual credit students enroll at South Dakota public universities after graduation, and keeping tuition costs low for dual credit students is essential for continuing that trend.

“The last thing we want is finances standing in the way of education,” Lukkes said.

The Bottom Line: Is the Dual Credit Program in Jeopardy?

In the coming months, legislators will debate the merits of Gov. Noem’s proposed budget. If the proposal to increase dual credit fees is passed, the question remains: how will this impact student participation in the program?

There are concerns that a significant rise in fees could deter students from participating, particularly those from low-income families. As high school enrollment numbers continue to decline in South Dakota, enrollment in the dual credit program may plateau regardless. However, some worry that an increase in fees could push participation even lower, cutting off a valuable educational opportunity for many students.

The dual credit program has long been viewed as a stepping stone for success for South Dakota’s high school students, allowing them to gain college credits and experience before graduation. Whether that will continue in the future depends on the choices lawmakers make in the coming months.

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