Lake Area Technical Institute

Overview

Located in Watertown, South Dakota, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public technical school that provides career-focused education in a variety of fields. Founded in 1965, the college currently offers over 30 programs including high-demand sectors like aviation, agriculture, energy technology, and healthcare. The campus affords a practical setting conducive to technical and vocational training, without a traditional collegiate atmosphere. Situated approximately 180 miles north of Sioux Falls, Lake Area Technical Institute provides students with a close-knit, job-centered educational environment. The college exhibits a moderately selective admissions process and emphasizes hands-on learning tailored to industry standards. While on-campus housing is not available, the institute assists students in finding local accommodations. Lake Area Technical Institute is not distinguished for its athletics but maintains its reputation through strong job placement rates in specialized programs.

  1,526 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 712 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $3,720 plus fees of $2,998.