South Dakota's public university system on Thursday reported record enrollment for the 12th straight year.

Enrollment at the state's six public universities this fall is up more than 2.5 percent at 33,779, a gain of 836 students from a year ago, the state Board of Regents reported.

The number of students graduating from high schools continues to fall, but the higher education system has attracted a greater share of them into college, said Regents Executive Director and Chief Executive Jack Warner. South Dakota's public universities also have recruited more students from other states, and more older students are returning to school, he said.

South Dakota and the nation must produce more college graduates with the technical training needed in an information-based economy, Warner said.