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$6,200Tuition
199Students
28%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$25,853Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About College of Menominee Nation

The College of Menominee Nation is one of America's pioneering tribal colleges, serving just 199 students in rural Wisconsin. This institution was founded in 1993 to provide culturally relevant education that honors Menominee traditions while preparing students for modern careers. The college maintains an intimate learning environment with a 6:1 student-faculty ratio. Students come entirely from within Wisconsin, creating a tight-knit community focused on preserving Native American heritage through education.

The financial picture here is compelling for low-income students. With tuition at $6,200 regardless of residency, the average net price after aid reaches $10,498. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,738 annually. While recent graduates earn a median of $37,922 in their first year after college, this jumps to $41,953 by year five. The investment pays off considering the affordable entry cost and strong employment outcomes.

Women make up 70% of the student body, reflecting broader trends in higher education. The college serves a predominantly Native American population, with only 6% of students identifying as white. With an 86% employment rate after graduation, students find work even though traditional graduation rates remain challenging at 30% for four years.

Academics & Faculty

The College of Menominee Nation serves as one of America's pioneering tribal colleges, offering culturally grounded education that connects academic learning with Native American traditions and values. Students work closely with faculty in a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in small classes. The college emphasizes sustainable development, natural resources management, and indigenous studies programs that reflect Menominee Nation's commitment to environmental stewardship. However, the 30% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing education with family and community responsibilities. Academic programs integrate traditional Menominee knowledge with contemporary skills, preparing graduates for careers that serve both their tribal community and broader society while maintaining cultural connections.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
6:1
Full-Time Faculty
40.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
30.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
27.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$25,853
Carnegie Classification
Tribal College

Campus Life

Students at this tiny tribal college experience an intimate learning environment with just 199 enrolled students. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student by name. Campus sits in the heart of the Menominee reservation in rural Wisconsin, about 45 minutes from Green Bay. Winter coats are essential as temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March.

Women make up 70% of the student body, creating a predominantly female campus culture. Nearly all students are in-state residents, with many commuting from nearby reservation communities rather than living on campus. The college integrates Menominee language and cultural practices into daily academic life. Students often participate in traditional ceremonies and cultural events that connect classroom learning to tribal heritage. Weekend activities typically revolve around family and community gatherings rather than typical college parties. The employment rate of 86% reflects the college's focus on practical skills and community service. Students here aren't just earning degrees but preserving and advancing Menominee culture for future generations.
Setting
Rural-Distant
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1993

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
6°–24°F
July Avg
58°–81°F
Annual Precipitation
33.1"
Annual Snowfall
47.9"

Student Demographics

This tribal college draws its entire student body from Wisconsin, reflecting its deep roots serving the Menominee Nation and surrounding Native American communities. Women make up about 70% of the 199 enrolled students. The school serves primarily students from lower-income backgrounds, with half receiving Pell Grants. As one of America's first tribal colleges, it creates an intimate learning environment with a 6:1 student-faculty ratio. The predominantly female enrollment aligns with the college's strong programs in education, natural resources, and social work that appeal to students committed to serving their communities.
Men
29.7%
Women
70.4%
White
6.0%
Black
0.5%
Hispanic
2.0%
Asian
0.0%
In-State Students
100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
50.9%

Location

College of Menominee Nation sits in Keshena, Wisconsin, deep in rural northern Wisconsin about 45 miles northwest of Green Bay. The campus serves a tiny community of just 199 students in the heart of the Menominee Indian Reservation. This remote setting offers students direct connection to Menominee forests and lakes that have sustained the tribe for generations. The reservation spans 235,000 acres of pristine woodland. Students experience true rural isolation here, with the nearest major shopping or entertainment requiring a drive to Green Bay. The college draws 100% of its students from within Wisconsin. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare College of Menominee Nation with similar schools in the region.
Address
Keshena, Wisconsin 54135-1179
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After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$25,853
Median Earnings (5 years)
$41,953
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$18,300

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at College of Menominee Nation?

College of Menominee Nation serves exclusively students from Wisconsin, with 100% in-state enrollment reflecting its mission as a tribal college. The school maintains an intimate learning environment with just 199 students total. As one of the first tribal colleges in the United States, it focuses on providing culturally relevant education to the Menominee Nation and other Native American students.

How much does College of Menominee Nation cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,498 annually, with tuition set at $6,200 for both in-state and out-of-state students. About 51% of students receive financial aid, and the same percentage receive Pell Grants. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to $9,738.

What is the student-faculty ratio at College of Menominee Nation?

The college maintains a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, providing exceptional individual attention in small classes. This intimate academic setting supports the school's focus on culturally relevant education for Native American students. The college operates on a semester calendar system to structure this personalized learning experience.

What are the graduation rates at College of Menominee Nation?

The four-year graduation rate stands at 30%, while the six-year rate is 28%. Despite these modest completion rates, 86% of graduates find employment after leaving the college. The school's focus remains on serving its community through culturally grounded education rather than traditional metrics.

Where is College of Menominee Nation located?

The college sits in Keshena, Wisconsin, in a rural-distant setting that reflects its deep connection to the Menominee Nation. This location allows the tribal college to serve its community directly while maintaining traditional cultural ties. The rural setting supports the college's mission of providing education rooted in Native American values and traditions.

How much do College of Menominee Nation graduates earn?

Graduates earn a median of $37,922 one year after completion and $41,953 five years later. Ten years out, median earnings reach $25,853, reflecting the college's focus on community service and cultural preservation over purely financial outcomes. The school emphasizes preparing students to serve their tribal community and maintain cultural traditions.