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$6,213Tuition
1,438Students
61%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$49,393Earnings
#5 in MinnesotaPublic2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Alexandria Technical & Community College

Alexandria Technical & Community College builds careers through hands-on training in high-demand fields. The school serves 1,438 students in rural Minnesota with programs designed to get graduates working quickly in technical trades and healthcare. Students come here for welding, nursing, automotive technology, and other practical skills that employers need. Nearly 98% of students are from Minnesota, creating a tight-knit community focused on local workforce development.

The financial picture makes sense for working-class families. Students typically pay around $14,150 after aid, though those from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,722. Graduates earn a median of $49,393 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $12,000 very manageable. Monthly loan payments average only $127. The return on investment works because the school focuses on careers with solid earning potential rather than expensive programs with uncertain outcomes.

This isn't a traditional college experience. With 148 athletes across 8 sports competing in NCCAA, there's some campus life, but most students are here for job training. The 60.5% graduation rate reflects the reality that some students leave early for employment opportunities. The school's 98.2% employment rate shows that graduates find work in their fields.

Academics & Faculty

Alexandria Technical & Community College specializes in hands-on technical training and workforce development programs that prepare students for immediate employment in rural Minnesota industries. The school builds strong programs around automotive technology, welding, health sciences, and agricultural mechanics. Students work closely with instructors in a 21:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention in lab-intensive courses. The 60.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the practical nature of many programs, as students often enter the workforce before completing associate degrees. With a 98.2% employment rate, graduates find jobs quickly in skilled trades and technical fields. The college serves as a regional center for career training in central Minnesota's lakes region.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
21:1
Full-Time Faculty
54.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
60.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$49,393

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $54,536
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Certificate $51,773
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. Associate $50,856
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Associate $47,260
Precision Metal Working. Certificate $46,018
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. Associate $40,945
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $39,729
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. Associate $38,289
Ground Transportation. Certificate $38,289
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. Associate $37,568

View all 53 programs →

Campus Life

Alexandria sits 130 miles northwest of Minneapolis in Minnesota's lake country, where winters demand heavy coats and summer temperatures reach the comfortable 80s. The campus serves a largely local population, with 97.54% of the 1,438 students coming from Minnesota. Most students commute from the surrounding farming and resort communities rather than living on campus.

The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get to know your instructors in the welding labs, nursing simulation rooms, and automotive repair bays that define this hands-on campus. Students here are focused on getting job-ready skills quickly. With a 98.2% employment rate, most graduates head straight into the workforce rather than transferring to four-year schools. Weekend activities revolve around the area's 200-plus lakes, hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation that draws tourists to this resort region. The campus culture is practical and unpretentious, reflecting the rural Minnesota values of the communities it serves. Students tend to be older and more career-focused than typical college freshmen.
Setting
Town-Remote
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
1°–19°F
July Avg
60°–80°F
Annual Precipitation
25.1"
Annual Snowfall
42.3"

Student Demographics

Alexandria Tech draws students from across Minnesota who want practical skills training without traveling far from home. Nearly all students come from in-state, reflecting the school's role as a regional workforce pipeline. Men slightly outnumber women at 54%, likely due to the emphasis on technical trades and manufacturing programs. The student body is predominantly white at 83%, mirroring rural Minnesota demographics. Only 16% receive Pell Grants, suggesting many students come from working-class families seeking career advancement rather than traditional low-income college populations.
Men
54.2%
Women
45.8%
White
82.7%
Black
2.2%
Hispanic
6.7%
Asian
0.4%
In-State Students
97.5%
Pell Grant Recipients
15.6%

Location

Alexandria sits in west-central Minnesota, about 130 miles northwest of Minneapolis. The city of 13,000 serves as a center for Minnesota's lake country, surrounded by over 20 lakes within 10 miles. With 97.54% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from rural farming communities and small towns across the region. The area offers classic Midwestern outdoor recreation with fishing, boating, and hunting dominating local culture. Students experience true small-town Minnesota living where agriculture and light manufacturing drive the economy. The remote setting means limited nightlife but strong community connections. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Alexandria Technical & Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Alexandria, Minnesota 56308

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$49,393
Median Earnings (5 years)
$54,494
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$36,900
Loan Repayment Rate
68.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Alexandria Technical & Community College?

Alexandria Technical & Community College has an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, meaning they accept all students who meet basic requirements. With 1,438 students enrolled, the school serves as an accessible entry point for technical education in rural Minnesota. Nearly 98% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role as a regional workforce development center.

How much does Alexandria Technical & Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $14,150 annually at Alexandria Technical & Community College. Tuition is set at $6,213 for both in-state and out-of-state students, making it affordable for regional learners. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,722 net price, while graduates typically carry only $12,000 in debt with manageable monthly payments of $127.

What programs is Alexandria Technical & Community College known for?

Alexandria Technical & Community College specializes in technical and trade programs designed to meet rural Minnesota's workforce needs. The student-faculty ratio of 21:1 allows for hands-on learning in practical fields. With a 60.5% six-year graduation rate, the college focuses on career preparation rather than transfer pathways.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Alexandria Technical & Community College?

Alexandria Technical & Community College boasts an impressive 98.2% employment rate for graduates. Alumni earn a median salary of $49,393 ten years after graduation, with many finding work in Minnesota's manufacturing and technical sectors. The college's focus on practical skills training translates directly into career opportunities in the region.

Where is Alexandria Technical & Community College located and what is campus life like?

Alexandria Technical & Community College sits in Alexandria, Minnesota, a town-remote setting that serves the state's rural communities. The campus hosts 148 student-athletes across 8 varsity sports competing in the NCCAA. With 54% male and 46% female students, the college maintains a balanced enrollment reflecting its diverse technical programs.

Does Alexandria Technical & Community College offer financial aid?

Only 15.57% of students at Alexandria Technical & Community College receive federal financial aid, reflecting the school's affordable base tuition. Among aid recipients, 18.5% receive institutional grants averaging $4,707. The low percentage needing aid demonstrates how the college's reasonable $6,213 tuition makes technical education accessible without extensive borrowing.