About Dakota County Technical College
Students pay an average net price of $11,140 after financial aid, which is the same whether you live in Minnesota or come from another state since tuition runs $6,419 for everyone. Graduates typically earn $51,938 ten years after starting school, which makes the median debt of $11,000 very manageable. Most students pay about $117 per month on their loans. The employment rate hits 95.7%, meaning almost everyone who finishes finds work in their field.
The student body is 56% male and 96% comes from Minnesota. With 22 students per faculty member, classes stay hands-on but not tiny. The Blue Knights compete in six sports through the NCCAA with 127 total athletes. The 45% six-year graduation rate reflects that many students work while attending or take breaks to gain experience in their chosen fields.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 22:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 47.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 45.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,938
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $60,771 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $56,234 |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $51,273 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $50,677 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $49,436 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $47,494 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $47,260 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $44,858 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $44,542 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $43,240 |
Campus Life
Most students commute from the Twin Cities metro area since there's no campus housing. The 95.64% in-state enrollment means you'll be surrounded by fellow Minnesotans who understand that yes, you absolutely need a heavy winter coat from November through March. Snow boots are not optional. Students often grab lunch between classes in the student center, but weekends typically mean heading home or to part-time jobs. Many students work while taking classes, which makes sense given the school's focus on career training. The Blue Knights compete in six sports with 127 total athletes, though most students here are more focused on their program labs than athletic events.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1970
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 3°–22°F
- July Avg
- 61°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 35.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 40.4"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 56.0%
- Women
- 44.0%
- White
- 64.3%
- Black
- 12.0%
- Hispanic
- 11.9%
- Asian
- 3.9%
- In-State Students
- 95.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 27.1%
Location
- Address
- Rosemount, Minnesota 55068-2999
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,938
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $53,667
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 52.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $117/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Dakota County Technical College?
Dakota County Technical College operates with open enrollment, meaning they accept all students who meet basic admission requirements rather than using a competitive acceptance process. The college serves 2,083 students and focuses on providing accessible technical education to the local community. As a public technical college, their mission centers on workforce development rather than selective admissions.
How much does Dakota County Technical College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $11,140 annually after financial aid is applied. In-state and out-of-state tuition both cost $6,419, reflecting the college's commitment to affordable technical training. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,305 net price, making career-focused education accessible to lower-income students.
What academic programs is Dakota County Technical College known for?
The college specializes in technical and career training programs designed to prepare students for immediate workforce entry. With a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive hands-on training in skilled trades and technical fields. The college operates on a semester calendar system and maintains strong connections with local employers in the Twin Cities region.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Dakota County Technical College?
Graduates achieve a 95.7% employment rate, demonstrating the college's strong connection to employer needs. The median earnings reach $51,938 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of technical skills in today's job market. Students typically graduate with just $11,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $117, making their education investment highly manageable.
Where is Dakota County Technical College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Rosemount, Minnesota, in a rural-fringe setting that combines small-town accessibility with proximity to the Twin Cities metro area. The Blue Knights compete in six varsity sports through the NCCAA with 127 total athletes. The student body is 56% male and 96% in-state residents, creating a tight-knit community focused on career preparation.
Does Dakota County Technical College offer good financial aid support?
About 27% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many students from lower-income backgrounds. Only 24% of students take out federal loans, much lower than typical colleges, reflecting the school's affordable tuition structure. The college awards institutional grants averaging $4,486 to just 9% of students, focusing instead on keeping base tuition low for all students.
