Oglala Lakota College
Out-of-state tuition
$2,684
$9,884 with room and board
Peer median $3,980
Undergraduates
1,139
Student-faculty ratio 10:1
Peer median 10 : 1
“Peers” are all 30 public tribal colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Oglala Lakota College (OLC) is a unique institution located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, dedicated to serving the Oglala Lakota Nation and promoting the preservation and growth of Lakota culture. Established in 1971, OLC prides itself on its commitment to higher education that is deeply rooted in the values and traditions of the Lakota people. The college's mission emphasizes the importance of cultural relevance in education, encouraging students to engage with their heritage while pursuing their academic and professional goals. The college's motto, "Education is the Key," reflects its dedication to empowering students through knowledge, fostering a sense of identity, and promoting community development.
The college offers a variety of programs ranging from associate degrees to bachelor's degrees, focusing on areas such as business, education, and human services. OLC boasts a strong faculty that is not only academically qualified but also deeply connected to the community, allowing for a more personalized and culturally aware educational experience. In addition to its academic offerings, Oglala Lakota College emphasizes the importance of student life and community involvement, providing opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, cultural events, and community service. The college's commitment to nurturing a supportive and inclusive environment contributes to the overall development of its students, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to succeed in their careers and contribute positively to their communities.
Analysis of Key Data Trends at Oglala Lakota College
Oglala Lakota College, as a public institution, exhibits several noteworthy trends in its data over the years. One of the most striking aspects is the fluctuation in student enrollment numbers. The total number of undergraduate students has experienced a decline from 1,559 in 2013 to 1,147 in 2023, indicating a significant drop of approximately 26.3% over the decade. This decline raises concerns about the institution's appeal and the broader educational trends affecting Native American communities.
Another critical area is the graduation rate, specifically the timely graduation rate for undergraduate students. The data presents a concerning picture, with the percentage of students graduating on time hovering around 1% to 5% in most years, and even reaching 0% in 2020 and 2023. This low graduation rate could be indicative of various challenges faced by the student population, including financial barriers, lack of academic support, or personal circumstances that hinder their ability to complete their degrees within the standard timeframe.
Conversely, the student-to-faculty ratio has shown some stability, maintaining between 9 to 12 students per faculty member over the years. This relatively favorable ratio can be advantageous for students, potentially allowing for more personalized attention and support from faculty. However, the effectiveness of this ratio is contingent upon the quality of engagement and support provided.
Lastly, the retention rate for undergraduates has seen a positive trend, rising from 43.2% in 2013 to 66.7% in 2023. This increase suggests that once students enroll, they may be finding the college experience more supportive and conducive to their persistence in completing their studies. Overall, while there are positive signs in retention and faculty support, the significant drop in enrollment and alarming graduation rates highlight critical areas that require focused interventions and strategies to enhance student success and institutional stability.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, remote
- Nearest major city
- Denver, about 280 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Denver International Airport (DEN), about 270 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dawn Frank (President)
- Phone
- 6054556000
- City
- Kyle, South Dakota
- Address
- 490 Piya Wiconi Road, Kyle, SD 57752-0490
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- American Indian/Native American Studies · Master's7 (0% international)
- Educational Administration and Supervision, Other · Master's3 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Oglala Lakota College
The graduation data from Oglala Lakota College in 2023 showcases a diverse academic landscape with varying degrees of success across different fields. Notably, the highest number of graduates is in American Indian/Native American Studies, with 27 individuals completing their associate degrees. This reflects a strong commitment to preserving and advancing knowledge of Indigenous cultures, which is crucial in today’s context of increasing recognition of Indigenous rights and heritage.
In the realm of bachelor’s degrees, Business Administration and Management leads with 10 graduates, followed closely by Public Administration with 6 graduates. This trend underscores the importance of business and administrative skills in the job market, particularly for students from Indigenous communities who may seek to empower their communities through economic development.
Interestingly, there is a noticeable absence of international students graduating from these programs, as indicated by the zero counts in the international categories. This could suggest a need for Oglala Lakota College to enhance its outreach and support for international students, potentially increasing cultural exchange and diversity within the college.
The educational fields also display a modest number of graduates, with Elementary Education and Teaching yielding 4 graduates, which is essential for nurturing future generations. However, the complete lack of graduates in Master’s and Doctorate programs across most disciplines signals a gap in advanced education opportunities, which could hinder further academic and professional development for students.
Overall, while the data reflects a commendable output in certain areas, it also highlights opportunities for growth in advanced degrees and international student enrollment, ensuring that Oglala Lakota College continues to be a pivotal institution for Indigenous education and empowerment.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | |||
| General Office Occupations and Clerical Services. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Indian/Native American Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision, Other. | - | |||
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | - | |||
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | - | |||
| Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $47,627 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tribal/Indigenous Law. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Trades, General. | - | |||
| Electrician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Engineering. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design. | - |
Students
1,188 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 30:70 · Freshman retention 62.1%
- Continuing undergraduates 921
- First-year undergraduates 77
- Graduate students 49
- Transfers and others 141
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,139)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Oglala Lakota College in 2023
The demographic data from Oglala Lakota College for the year 2023 reveals insightful trends regarding its student population. The total number of students includes 89 new undergraduate students, 966 continuing undergraduate students, 54 transfer undergraduate students, and 30 graduate students. This indicates a significant predominance of continuing undergraduate students, which may reflect the institution's retention success and ongoing support for students.
Gender distribution among these groups shows notable disparities. For instance, new undergraduates have a relatively balanced gender ratio, with females representing 53.9% and males at 46.1%. However, this balance shifts dramatically among continuing undergraduates, where females account for a staggering 72%, while males comprise only 28%. This trend raises questions about the underlying factors contributing to higher female enrollment and retention at the college, potentially linked to supportive programs and community engagement.
Moreover, the student body is ethnically diverse, although specific numbers are not entirely detailed for all categories. The presence of various ethnic groups, including Whites, Asians, Latinos, Pacific Islanders, and Africans, is essential for fostering an inclusive educational environment. However, the data indicates that there are challenges in attracting and retaining students from certain backgrounds, especially for underrepresented groups.
In conclusion, while Oglala Lakota College demonstrates strengths in female enrollment and retention, there is an opportunity to further enhance diversity and support for all ethnic groups, ensuring a well-rounded academic community that reflects the richness of its surroundings. The college’s commitment to inclusivity will be vital for its long-term success and the positive development of its students.
Age Composition of Students at Oglala Lakota College in 2023
The age distribution of students at Oglala Lakota College in 2023 reveals significant trends in both undergraduate and graduate enrollment. Among those under 18, there is a notable absence of male students, while female students in this age group number 11, indicating a potential early interest in higher education among young women.
The majority of undergraduate male students are concentrated in the 18-21 age range, with 42 males aged 18-19 and 49 aged 20-21. This trend reflects a typical pattern seen across many colleges where students transition directly from high school to college. Female undergraduates also follow a similar pattern, peaking at 125 in the 22-24 age range.
Interestingly, the data indicates a growing number of female students, particularly in the 25-29 and 30-34 age groups, where female enrollment surpasses that of males. The 25-29 age group has 138 female students compared to 56 males, showcasing a shift towards female empowerment in higher education.
As students age into the 35-49 range, participation from both genders remains relatively balanced, though female students continue to outnumber males, particularly in the 40-49 category. The trend of older students returning to education is evident here, possibly reflecting societal shifts towards lifelong learning.
Overall, the data suggests that Oglala Lakota College is witnessing a significant increase in female enrollment, particularly in older age brackets, which may be indicative of a broader cultural change in attitudes towards education among women. This is a positive sign for inclusive education, aligning with national trends of increasing female participation in higher education.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 30 public tribal colleges in the U.S.
0 in 2025 · 0.1% in 2016
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
Enrollment of International Students at Oglala Lakota College
The data from 2016 reveals a noteworthy aspect of Oglala Lakota College's international student enrollment, particularly at the undergraduate level. With a total of 1,320 undergraduate students, the enrollment of international students amounted to just 1, making the proportion a mere 0.08%. This tiny fraction indicates that international representation within the undergraduate body is exceedingly low.
The lack of international students could be attributed to various factors, including the college's geographical location, its focus on Native American education, or the availability of resources and support for foreign students. In recent years, many colleges and universities across the United States have been striving to increase their international student populations to enhance diversity and cultural exchange on campus. However, it seems that Oglala Lakota College has not yet tapped into this potential.
Furthermore, there is no data available regarding graduate student enrollment for that year, which limits a comprehensive analysis of the institution's overall international student representation. The absence of graduate figures suggests that the college may need to explore avenues to attract a more diverse student body.
In conclusion, the statistics from 2016 highlight a significant opportunity for Oglala Lakota College to enhance its global appeal and foster a more inclusive educational environment by actively recruiting international students in the future.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$9,884
- Undergraduate tuition
- $2,684
- Room and board
- $7,200
- Graduate tuition
- $2,518
Peer median tuition + room and board $11,737 · all 30 public tribal colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 0% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 9%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$60.3M
Expenses$41.0M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 30 public tribal colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of WyomingLaramie · 221.9 mi
U.S. News #250
-
Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins · 241.8 mi
U.S. News #169
-
University of South DakotaVermillion · 271.2 mi
U.S. News #262
-
University of Colorado BoulderBoulder · 279.7 mi
U.S. News #109
-
South Dakota State UniversityBrookings · 279.8 mi
U.S. News #250
-
University of Colorado DenverDenver · 284.0 mi
U.S. News #236
-
Regis UniversityDenver · 286.2 mi
U.S. News #276
-
University of DenverDenver · 291.2 mi
U.S. News #121
-
Colorado School of MinesGolden · 293.5 mi
U.S. News #80
Data insights
Here are some prominent universities near Oglala Lakota College:
-
University of Wyoming - Ranked 216 in the 2024 US News, it's a comprehensive university known for its research programs and a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degrees.
-
Colorado State University-Fort Collins - With a rank of 151, this comprehensive university offers a vibrant campus life and is recognized for its strong emphasis on sustainability and research.
-
University of South Dakota - Ranked 269, this university provides a variety of programs and is particularly noted for its health sciences and law programs.
-
University of Colorado Boulder - This prestigious institution is ranked 105 and is renowned for its research initiatives and beautiful campus, offering a wide range of degrees.
-
Colorado School of Mines - Ranked 76, it specializes in engineering and applied sciences, making it a top choice for students interested in technology and resource management.
-
University of Nebraska-Lincoln - With a rank of 159, this university offers a comprehensive education with a strong focus on research and community engagement.
These institutions provide a variety of academic programs and vibrant campus communities, making them excellent choices for prospective students in the area.
Peer median 0.0 · all 30 public tribal colleges in the U.S.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Oglala Lakota College
The crime statistics from Oglala Lakota College over the years reveal a notable trend in campus safety. From 2013 to 2023, the overall crime rate has shown a significant decline. The average number of incidents per 1,000 students peaked at 1.40 in 2015 but has since decreased to 0.00 in the most recent years. This sharp decline suggests that the college has made substantial improvements in maintaining a safe environment for its students.
In 2013, there were recorded incidents involving gun arrests, indicating some level of concern regarding campus safety. However, the absence of any reported incidents in the years following 2017 is particularly noteworthy. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the college's safety measures and community programs, which may have played a role in reducing crime rates.
Moreover, the data reflects a broader trend observed in many educational institutions, where increased awareness and proactive measures lead to safer campuses. However, it is essential to remain vigilant, as fluctuations in crime rates can occur, often influenced by external factors such as societal issues and economic conditions.
Overall, the declining crime rates at Oglala Lakota College are commendable, showing a commitment to student safety. Continued efforts in community engagement and crime prevention will be necessary to maintain this positive trend in the future. For more details on crime rate calculations, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.