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$6,182Tuition
5,971Students
21%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$46,424Earnings
Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Century College

Century College draws nearly 6,000 students to its White Bear Lake campus in Minnesota's Twin Cities suburbs. This community college has built a reputation for practical workforce training programs that connect directly to regional employers. The student-faculty ratio of 25:1 reflects the accessible, no-frills approach that defines most community colleges.

Students pay an average net price of $10,037 after financial aid, making Century one of the more affordable pathways to career training in Minnesota. Graduates earn a median of $46,424 ten years after starting, while carrying typical debt loads of just $14,250. The 94% employment rate shows that Century's job-focused programs deliver on their promise. Monthly loan payments average $151, a manageable burden given the earning potential.

The campus reflects the diversity of the Twin Cities metro, with 47% white students and significant Asian American (21%), Black (13%), and Hispanic (11%) populations. Nearly all students (94%) come from Minnesota. Century fields just two varsity sports with 37 total athletes competing as the Wood Ducks. The 21% six-year graduation rate is typical for community colleges, where many students transfer before completing degrees or attend part-time while working.

Academics & Faculty

Century College focuses on workforce training and career preparation programs that connect directly to Twin Cities employers. The college serves 5,971 students with practical programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades. With a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, students get decent access to instructors despite the community college setting. The 21% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer after completing prerequisites or leave early for jobs after gaining specific skills. The college maintains strong partnerships with local employers who hire graduates from its technical programs. Students often balance work and school, using Century as a stepping stone to four-year degrees or immediate employment in growing fields.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
25:1
Full-Time Faculty
39.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
21.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$46,424

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. Associate $58,673
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $55,151
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). Associate $53,775
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $51,928
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. Certificate $50,270
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. Associate $49,019
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $44,021
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $42,682
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. Associate $41,565
Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. Associate $38,829

View all 102 programs →

Campus Life

Century College sits in White Bear Lake, a Twin Cities suburb about 20 minutes north of downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. With 5,971 students spread across a commuter campus, you'll rarely see the same faces twice walking between classes. The student-faculty ratio of 25:1 means larger class sizes typical of community colleges focused on practical training.

Minnesota winters demand serious preparation - expect snow from November through March and temperatures that regularly drop below freezing. The campus serves 94% in-state students who commute from across the metro area rather than living in dorms. Women make up 56% of enrollment, creating a slight gender imbalance. The diverse student body is 47% white, 21% Asian, 13% Black, and 11% Hispanic, reflecting the changing demographics of suburban Minneapolis.

Weekends tend to be quiet since most students work jobs or transfer to four-year schools after completing their programs. The Wood Ducks compete in just two NCCAA sports with only 37 total athletes. Social life revolves around study groups, work schedules, and family commitments rather than traditional college activities.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 8 0 0 0
Stalking 3 0 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
8°–24°F
July Avg
64°–82°F
Annual Precipitation
33.1"
Annual Snowfall
40.4"

Student Demographics

Nearly all students come from Minnesota, reflecting Century College's role as a local workforce center for the Twin Cities metro area. The student body tilts slightly female, which aligns with the college's focus on health sciences and human services programs that traditionally attract more women. One in three students receives Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. The diverse racial composition mirrors the changing demographics of suburban Twin Cities communities. Most students are local residents looking to gain job skills or transfer to four-year universities without leaving home.
Men
44.1%
Women
56.0%
White
46.8%
Black
13.0%
Hispanic
11.1%
Asian
21.1%
In-State Students
94.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
32.6%

Location

Century College sits in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, about 20 minutes northeast of Minneapolis-Saint Paul. The suburban Twin Cities metro area houses nearly 6,000 students at this community college. White Bear Lake combines small-town charm with big-city access, known for its namesake lake and recreational opportunities. The college draws 94% of its students from Minnesota, reflecting its role as a local workforce training center. Students benefit from proximity to the Twin Cities job market while avoiding downtown costs. The area offers a mix of suburban neighborhoods, lakes, and outdoor activities typical of Minnesota's landscape. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Century College with similar schools in the region.
Address
White Bear Lake, Minnesota 55110

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$46,424
Median Earnings (5 years)
$52,580
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$32,900
Loan Repayment Rate
46.1%
Monthly Loan Payment
$151/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,250

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission to Century College?

Century College maintains open enrollment as a community college, meaning virtually all applicants are accepted. The college serves 5,971 students with a focus on accessibility for Twin Cities metro area residents. About 94% of students are Minnesota residents taking advantage of the open-door policy.

What does Century College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,037 annually, with tuition set at $6,182 for both in-state and out-of-state students. About 33% of students receive Pell Grants, and low-income families earning under $30,000 pay around $8,624 net. Monthly loan payments average a manageable $151 for graduates.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Century College?

Century College has a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, which is typical for community colleges focused on workforce training. The college operates on a semester system and emphasizes practical, career-oriented programs. Students benefit from hands-on learning in programs designed to meet local employer needs.

How much do Century College graduates earn after completing their programs?

Graduates earn a median of $46,424 ten years after enrollment, with strong employment outcomes showing a 94% employment rate. One year after graduation, median earnings reach $43,608, reflecting the college's focus on job-ready training. The college's workforce development programs prepare students for in-demand careers in the Twin Cities area.

Where is Century College located and what is the campus like?

Century College sits in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, a large suburban community northeast of Minneapolis-Saint Paul. The campus serves a diverse student body that is 47% White, 21% Asian, and 13% Black. Women make up 56% of enrollment, typical for community colleges offering healthcare and human services programs.

Does Century College offer athletics and what are their teams called?

Century College fields just 2 varsity sports with 37 total athletes competing as the Wood Ducks. The teams participate in NCCAA competition but offer no athletic scholarships. The limited athletics program reflects the college's primary focus on academic and workforce training rather than sports.