Central Lakes College-Brainerd: $6,209 Tuition

$6,209Tuition

1,486Students

48%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,162Earnings

#24 in MinnesotaPublic2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Central Lakes College-Brainerd

Central Lakes College serves the Brainerd Lakes region as a community and technical college with deep roots in workforce training. The college enrolls 1,486 students in a town-remote setting that reflects Minnesota's northwoods character. Students can choose from career-focused programs designed to meet regional employer needs, particularly in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio ensures hands-on learning in technical labs and classrooms.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students from lower-income households pay a net price of $10,479 annually, while those from families earning over $110,000 pay $17,192. Graduates earn a median of $42,162 ten years after enrollment, which provides solid returns on investment given the typical debt load of $11,000. Monthly loan payments average just $117, making this an affordable pathway to middle-class careers. Only 14.55% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting the college attracts working families who need practical training.

The Raiders compete in eight NCCAA sports with 142 total athletes, creating a tight-knit athletic community. Nearly 94% of students come from Minnesota, reinforcing the college's role as a regional training center. The 96.5% employment rate demonstrates strong connections between academic programs and local job markets.

Academics & Faculty

Central Lakes College focuses on career-ready programs that connect directly to regional job markets. The school operates as a community and technical college with hands-on training in fields like nursing, automotive technology, and natural resources management. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, students get more personal attention than at larger institutions. The 47.7% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer after completing prerequisites or earning certificates rather than associate degrees. Strong employment connections show in the 96.5% post-graduation employment rate. Programs emphasize practical skills over theoretical study, preparing students for immediate workforce entry or seamless transfer to four-year universities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 59.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 47.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,162

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$57,576
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$56,641
Ground Transportation.	Certificate	$48,563
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Certificate	$46,087
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$44,468
Precision Metal Working.	Associate	$44,021
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Certificate	$39,286
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$35,060
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$35,060
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$33,370

View all 76 programs →

Campus Life

Central Lakes College sits in Brainerd, a town of 14,000 people about two hours north of Minneapolis. With 1,486 students spread across a small campus, you'll recognize faces quickly. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number. Winter dominates the academic year here - pack heavy coats for temperatures that regularly drop below zero from December through February.

Most students commute since this is primarily a commuter college, with 93.79% coming from Minnesota. Weekends often revolve around the area's outdoor recreation, especially fishing and boating on the numerous lakes that give the college its name. The Raiders compete in 8 varsity sports through the NCCAA, drawing 142 student athletes to teams that build tight-knit communities. Students frequently head to nearby Nisswa or crossover to Baxter for shopping and dining. The small-town atmosphere means campus events and intramural activities become social centers. Many students work part-time jobs in town while completing their two-year programs.

Setting: Town-Remote
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	0	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 0°–21°F
July Avg: 58°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 68.8"
Annual Snowfall: 59.2"

Student Demographics

Central Lakes College draws students from across Minnesota's lake country, with nearly 94% coming from in-state. The school has built a strong reputation among local families seeking affordable technical training and career preparation. Women slightly outnumber men at 53%, reflecting the college's popular programs in healthcare, education, and business services. The student body is predominantly white at 81%, typical for rural Minnesota communities. With relatively few Pell Grant recipients at 15%, the college serves a mix of working-class and middle-class students looking for practical career pathways without the debt burden of four-year universities.

Men: 46.8%
Women: 53.2%
White: 81.3%
Black: 6.9%
Hispanic: 3.0%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 93.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 14.6%

Location

Central Lakes College-Brainerd sits in Brainerd, Minnesota, roughly 130 miles northwest of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The campus serves Minnesota's lakes region, where outdoor recreation drives much of the local economy. Brainerd anchors a small town surrounded by forests and hundreds of lakes that attract tourists year-round. With 93.79% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from rural Minnesota communities. The remote town setting means limited urban amenities but abundant access to fishing, hunting, and winter sports. Local industries include tourism, manufacturing, and healthcare, which align with many of the college's career programs. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Central Lakes College-Brainerd with similar schools in the region.

Address: Brainerd, Minnesota 56401-3900

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,162
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,864
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 49.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $117/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $11,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Central Lakes College-Brainerd?

As a community and technical college, Central Lakes College-Brainerd has an open admission policy for most programs. The school enrolls 1,486 students and welcomes nearly all applicants who meet basic requirements. Some competitive programs like nursing may have additional entrance criteria.

How much does Central Lakes College-Brainerd cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $12,829 annually at Central Lakes College-Brainerd. The college charges $6,209 for both in-state and out-of-state tuition, making it affordable for Minnesota residents and neighboring states. Graduates typically leave with just $11,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $117.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Central Lakes College-Brainerd?

Central Lakes College-Brainerd maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its technical and liberal arts programs. The college operates on a semester calendar system and focuses heavily on career-oriented training. Students benefit from hands-on learning in fields like automotive technology, welding, and healthcare.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Central Lakes College-Brainerd?

Central Lakes College-Brainerd boasts a 96.5% employment rate for graduates, reflecting strong regional job demand. Alumni earn a median of $42,162 ten years after graduation, with many entering skilled trades and healthcare positions. The 47.7% six-year graduation rate is typical for community colleges serving working adults and part-time students.

Where is Central Lakes College-Brainerd located and what is campus life like?

Central Lakes College-Brainerd sits in the lakes region of Minnesota, about two hours north of the Twin Cities. The campus serves a primarily local population with 93.79% in-state students and draws from the surrounding rural communities. The Raiders compete in 8 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 142 total athletes.

Does Central Lakes College-Brainerd offer financial aid to students?

Only 14.55% of students at Central Lakes College-Brainerd receive federal Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working-class families just above poverty thresholds. The college provides institutional grants averaging $5,110 to 15.01% of students. Low-income families pay a net price of $10,479, making technical education accessible to rural Minnesota communities.