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$6,007Tuition
2,203Students
19%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$49,898Earnings
Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About Inver Hills Community College

This Twin Cities area community college serves 2,203 students in a large suburban setting just south of Saint Paul. The school has built a reputation as a practical stepping stone for students seeking affordable higher education or career training in the metro area. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, classes maintain a more personal feel than larger institutions. Nearly 99% of students come from Minnesota, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.

Students pay an average net price of $10,651 after aid, making this one of the more affordable pathways to higher education in the region. Graduates earn a median of $49,898 ten years after starting, which provides solid returns given the modest debt load of $13,965. Monthly loan payments average just $148, making repayment manageable for most graduates. The 92.3% employment rate shows strong job market outcomes for completers.

The student body reflects the diversity of the south metro area, with 49% white students, 21% Black students, and 16% Hispanic students. Women make up 61% of enrollment, typical for community colleges nationwide. The 19% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer to four-year schools or enter the workforce before completing their programs here.

Academics & Faculty

Inver Hills serves as a full community college offering transfer pathways and career-focused programs across diverse fields. The college maintains a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors despite being a larger community college. With a 19.10% six-year graduation rate, students face typical community college challenges including part-time enrollment and competing life responsibilities. The school attracts a diverse student body with 20.79% Black students and 16.39% Hispanic students, reflecting Minnesota's Twin Cities metropolitan demographics. Nearly all students come from in-state at 98.76%. Inver Hills emphasizes practical workforce preparation alongside university transfer options, serving students who need flexible scheduling and affordable education before entering four-year institutions or direct employment.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
20:1
Full-Time Faculty
49.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
19.1%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$49,898

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Certificate $62,012
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. Associate $57,189
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $56,776
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $50,856
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. Associate $49,683
Business/Commerce, General. Associate $43,426
Legal Support Services. Certificate $40,551
Accounting and Related Services. Associate $39,369
Legal Support Services. Associate $38,829
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $32,925

View all 50 programs →

Campus Life

Inver Hills sits in the Twin Cities suburbs, about 15 minutes south of downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. The 2,203 students attend a compact campus that serves as a launching pad rather than a destination. With 98.76% of students from Minnesota, you'll find mostly local commuters juggling classes with work and family responsibilities.

Winter means heavy coats and snow boots from November through March, while summers bring humid heat that makes the air-conditioned buildings welcome relief. The campus has no dorms, so weekends typically mean heading home or to jobs rather than campus activities. Women make up 61.01% of enrollment, and the student body is diverse with 49.11% White students alongside significant Black (20.79%) and Hispanic (16.39%) populations.

Classes follow a semester calendar with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio that keeps discussions manageable. Most students treat this as a practical stepping stone - either transferring to four-year schools or entering the workforce with career-focused credentials. The 92.3% employment rate reflects the college's reputation for job-ready programs.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1970

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 4 0 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
8°–23°F
July Avg
64°–82°F
Annual Precipitation
29.2"
Annual Snowfall
51.2"

Student Demographics

Nearly 99% of students come from Minnesota, reflecting the college's role as a trusted local option for Twin Cities area residents. Women make up 61% of enrollment, drawn to strong programs in healthcare, education, and social services that the college has developed over five decades. The student body is diverse, with students of color representing about half the population. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, positioning Inver Hills as an accessible pathway for working-class families seeking career training or transfer preparation.
Men
39.0%
Women
61.0%
White
49.1%
Black
20.8%
Hispanic
16.4%
Asian
6.8%
In-State Students
98.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
23.3%

Location

Inver Hills Community College sits in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, about 15 miles south of downtown Minneapolis-St. Paul. The college serves the Twin Cities metropolitan area from its suburban campus. Nearly 99% of its 2,203 students come from in-state, reflecting its role as a local community college. The Twin Cities region offers extensive internship and job opportunities across healthcare, technology, and finance sectors. Students benefit from urban amenities while attending school in a quieter suburban setting. The area provides easy access to both Minneapolis and St. Paul via major highways and public transit. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Inver Hills Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota 55076-3224
Inver Hills Community College
Inver Hills Community College

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$49,898
Median Earnings (5 years)
$53,912
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$36,400
Loan Repayment Rate
47.1%
Monthly Loan Payment
$148/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,965

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Inver Hills Community College?

Inver Hills Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The school serves 2,203 students with nearly 99% coming from Minnesota. This accessibility makes it a popular stepping stone for students beginning their college journey or returning to education.

How much does Inver Hills Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,651 annually, with costs varying by family income from $8,622 for the lowest earners to $15,005 for families making over $110,000. Only 23% of students receive federal financial aid, reflecting the college's affordability compared to four-year institutions. Monthly loan payments average just $148 for those who borrow.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Inver Hills Community College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 20:1, typical for a community college setting. Classes operate on a semester calendar system, allowing students to progress through programs at a steady pace. The college emphasizes practical, career-focused education rather than traditional liberal arts.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Inver Hills Community College?

The six-year graduation rate is 19%, reflecting the reality that many community college students transfer before completing degrees or attend part-time. However, graduates achieve a 92% employment rate with median earnings of $49,898 ten years after enrollment. The college serves as an effective workforce development center for the Twin Cities metro area.

Where is Inver Hills Community College located and what is the campus like?

The college sits in Inver Grove Heights, a large suburban community in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Women make up 61% of the student body while men comprise 39%. The diverse student population includes significant representation from Black (21%) and Hispanic (16%) communities.

Does Inver Hills Community College offer good value for career training?

Graduates see strong earning potential with median salaries reaching $44,870 just one year after completion and climbing to $53,912 after five years. The college maintains low debt burdens with median borrowing of only $13,965. Founded in 1970, the institution has built strong connections with local employers and industry partners.