At $12,829/yr net price, Central Lakes College-Brainerd graduates earn $42,162/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,162/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,829 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $51,316 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,162/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,162/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,479/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,015/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,719/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,228/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,192/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,576 | $19,391 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $56,641 | |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $48,563 | $10,952 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $46,087 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $44,468 | $5,500 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $44,021 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $39,286 | $6,500 |
| 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 | $9,425 |
The Risk Factor
47.7% of students at Central Lakes College-Brainerd graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Central Lakes College-Brainerd gives you a low-risk financial bet. With median debt of $11,000 and median earnings just over $42,000 a decade out, you're not gambling much money on this school, and the payoff lands in solid territory for a two-year public college.
Your program choice matters more than the school average suggests. The associate in Registered Nursing pays about $57,600, but it comes with the highest debt on the list at roughly $19,400. If you want the earnings without the debt, the Precision Metal Working certificate pays over $44,000 while leaving you only $5,500 to repay. Electromechanical Instrumentation lands near nursing money at $56,600. Ground Transportation and Industrial Production certificates both clear $46,000 with low or modest debt. These are trades and health fields feeding central Minnesota's manufacturing and rural healthcare demand, which is why the numbers hold up.
The main risk is completion. Fewer than half of students finish, so if you enroll and drop out, you carry cost with no credential and none of the earnings above. The programs that pay are hands-on and technical, so they demand you stick with them.
The net price tiers run backwards from what you might expect. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay about $10,000 a year, less than families over $110,000, who pay closer to $17,200. Lower-income families get the better deal here.
This school fits you if you want a nursing, manufacturing, or transportation credential and plan to work in the region. Look elsewhere if you're aiming for a bachelor's-track path or a field not represented in these programs, since the strong outcomes here are concentrated in health and skilled trades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Lakes College-Brainerd worth the cost?
Central Lakes College-Brainerd offers decent value with a net price of $12,829 and median debt of just $11,000. However, the 48% graduation rate is concerning, and 10-year earnings of $42,162 are below average for college graduates.
What are the highest paying programs at Central Lakes College-Brainerd?
Nursing programs at Central Lakes College-Brainerd lead earnings at $57,576 after 10 years, followed by electromechanical instrumentation at $56,641. These technical programs significantly outperform the school's overall average of $42,162.
How much debt do Central Lakes College-Brainerd graduates have?
Central Lakes College-Brainerd graduates have a median debt of $11,000, which is relatively low compared to most colleges. This manageable debt load helps offset the school's below-average earning outcomes.
What is the graduation rate at Central Lakes College-Brainerd?
Only 48% of students graduate from Central Lakes College-Brainerd. This low completion rate means many students leave with debt but no degree, making the investment risky despite the affordable tuition.