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Dead dual-credit price increase rises again and wins approval in SD Senate • South Dakota Searchlight [1]

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Date: 2025-03

A bill to reduce South Dakota’s subsidy for high school dual-credit courses, which was defeated earlier this week in a legislative committee, was revived Thursday at the Capitol in Pierre and passed the state Senate 23-11.

The dual enrollment program lets high school juniors and seniors earn both high school and college credits through in-person or online courses. The bill would shift the cost-share for the program to a 50-50 split with students. Currently, the state pays two-thirds of the $150 per credit-hour cost, which is a reduced rate compared to regular university tuition.

Students and families that currently pay about $50 per credit hour would experience a price hike to $75 per credit hour, saving the state — and costing families — about $1.2 million annually.

The Senate Education Committee voted 4-3 to reject the bill Tuesday, but the full Senate forced the bill out of the committee.

Sen. Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls, framed the bill as necessary given “the current budget situation,” referring to declining sales tax revenue and other budget difficulties that have caused proposed cuts in numerous state departments and programs.

Sen. Ernie Otten, R-Tea, the lead co-chair of the Legislature’s main budget committee, said the existing subsidy is fiscally irresponsible given those broader budget constraints.

“We’ve got to align this thing in such a way that we can match that thing up and not cause a fiscal cliff,” he said. “That is what is at stake here.”

Supporters of the bill also emphasized that the change does not eliminate the program.

Opponents warned that increasing the cost for students would limit access, particularly for low-income families.

“This is a tax increase on families that have kids that are going to higher education,” said Sen. Michael Rohl, R-Aberdeen.

The bill now heads to Gov. Larry Rhoden for his consideration.

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[1] Url: https://southdakotasearchlight.com/briefs/dead-dual-credit-price-increase-rises-again-and-wins-approval-in-sd-senate/

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