Lake Area Technical Institute

Lake Area Technical Institute: Academics, Admissions & Tuition Info

Research the Lake Area Technical Institute, located in Watertown, South Dakota. Learn about its admission info, programs and financial aid to make an informed education decision.

About Lake Area Technical Institute

The 38-acre campus of Lake Area Technical Institute (LATI) is located in Watertown, South Dakota, a city with a population of 20,000 people. Designated as South Dakota's 'Rising Star,' Watertown is situated on the Big Sioux River and is flanked by Lake Kampeska and Lake Pelican.

Founded in 1965, Lake Area Technical Institute was the first school devoted to technical education in South Dakota. In 2012, LATI was recognized as a finalist for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence for the second year in a row.

Academics

LATI offers over 29 education programs and 13 online/hybrid degree programs in the fields of business, financial services, agriculture, computer information systems and nursing. LATI's technical degree programs are geared towards high-demand career fields, such as diesel mechanics, agriculture-business and energy operations. Two new online degree programs are also offered in precision machining and robotics.

Admissions

Lake Area Technical Institute has an open enrollment policy, but students must still complete an application and pay an application fee. Students must be at least 16 years old, and the college recommends that all students earn a high school diploma or GED before beginning classes. All applicants must submit at least one test score and may take the ACT, COMPASS, TABE or KAPLAN tests. Admission to certain programs may require additional testing. Health programs may come with additional admission requirements, such as immunization records and background checks.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition at LATI was $95 per credit hour as of 2012. Specific programs may require additional fees for distance learning, tools and a laptop computer. Room and board was expected to cost $5,600 for the 2011-2012 year.

LATI offers nearly $180,000 in scholarships, and any student who is accepted into a program of study is eligible to apply. Certain programs require the use of a wireless laptop, and lease options are available through the school.

LAKE AREA TECHNICAL INSTITUTE QUICK FACTS
School Type	Two-year, public*
Degrees Offered	Associate's degrees, certificates*
Religious Affiliation	None*
Academic Calendar	Semesters**
School Setting	Remote town*
Student Housing	None*
ACADEMICS
Schools or Programs	Over 29 programs*
Student-Faculty Ratio	16 to 1*
Most Popular Fields of Study by Degree Level (Number of Recipients)	In 2011: < 1-year certificates: Licensed practical/vocational nurse training (64) 1-2 year certificates: Cosmetology, general (32) Associate's: Diesel mechanics technology (46)*
Graduation Rate	For students beginning study in fall 2008: 69% within 150% of normal time to completion*
ADMISSIONS
Admission Rate	60% in 2011*
Entering Class Size	887 students in 2011*
First-Year Retention Rates	From 2010-2011: 82% of full-time students; 65% of part-time students*
TUITION & FINANCIAL AID
Tuition (2012)	$95 per credit hour**
Financial Aid Sources Available (Percent of Undergraduates Receiving It)	In 2011: Federal student loans (85%), Pell grants (49%), grants/scholarship aid (70%)*
Percent of Students Receiving Some Form of Aid	94% in 2011*

Sources: *National Center for Education Statistics, **Lake Area Technical Institute

School Contact Information

Address: Lake Area Technical Institute, 1201 Arrow Avenue, P.O. Box 730, Watertown, South Dakota 57201
Phone: (605) 882-5284
Website: www.lakeareatech.edu