About Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
Students pay an average net price of $10,704 after financial aid, with tuition set at $5,999 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Graduates earn a median salary of $45,665 ten years after graduation, which provides solid returns given the relatively low median debt of $14,181. Monthly loan payments average just $150, making this education financially accessible. The employment rate reaches 94.3%, reflecting strong job placement in the region.
Women comprise 64.3% of the student body, while 53% of students are white and a significant portion represent Native American communities. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention. However, the retention rate of 44.6% and six-year graduation rate of 20.8% suggest academic challenges that require strong self-motivation and support system utilization.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 31.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 26.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 20.8%
- Retention Rate
- 44.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,665
- Carnegie Classification
- Tribal College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $51,607 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $34,315 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $28,381 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $21,964 |
Campus Life
Winter dominates the academic year here, with heavy snow lasting from November through March requiring serious winter gear. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic progress personally. Students often gather for traditional ceremonies and cultural events that honor Ojibwe heritage. Weekend activities center around outdoor recreation like fishing and hiking when weather permits, or community gatherings in the student center during harsh winter months. The Thunder athletic teams provide school spirit, though many students balance coursework with jobs since 94.3% find employment. Campus life moves at a deliberate pace that reflects both rural Minnesota culture and tribal community values.
- Setting
- Town-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 56 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1987
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 1°–20°F
- July Avg
- 54°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 31.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- -711.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 35.7%
- Women
- 64.3%
- White
- 53.0%
- Black
- 2.2%
- Hispanic
- 4.8%
- Asian
- 0.4%
- In-State Students
- 78.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.1%
Location
- Address
- Cloquet, Minnesota 55720-2342
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,665
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,321
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 38.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $150/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,181
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the student body composition at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College?
The college enrolls 457 students, with women comprising 64.33% of the student body. As a tribal institution, it serves a diverse community with 52.95% White students and nearly 79% from Minnesota, focusing on culturally relevant education for Native American students and the broader regional community.
How much does Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $10,704 annually, with costs varying by family income from $9,606 to $18,358. The low tuition of $5,999 for all students reflects the college's mission to provide accessible education, though only 19.05% receive federal Pell Grants.
What are the graduation rates at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College?
The college has a 26.42% four-year graduation rate and 20.80% six-year graduation rate. These figures reflect common challenges at community colleges, where many students attend part-time or transfer to complete degrees elsewhere, particularly given the school's role in workforce training programs.
What career outcomes can graduates expect from Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College?
Graduates earn a median salary of $45,665 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 94.3% employment rate. The college's focus on workforce training and culturally relevant programs helps students enter stable careers, while keeping student debt manageable at a median of $14,181.
What is campus life like at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College?
The small Cloquet campus houses only 56 students in residence halls, creating an intimate learning environment with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The Thunder teams compete in athletics, while the college maintains strong connections to Native American culture and the surrounding northern Minnesota community.
How does Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College serve its unique mission?
Founded in 1987 as a tribal community college, it specializes in culturally relevant education and workforce training for Native American students and the broader community. The college's retention rate of 44.58% reflects its commitment to supporting students who often face unique educational and cultural challenges.
