Lake Superior College: $5,786 Tuition

$5,786Tuition

2,456Students

38%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$46,449Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Lake Superior College

Lake Superior College draws 2,456 students to its Duluth campus for hands-on career training and college transfer programs. The school specializes in trades, healthcare, and preparing students for four-year universities. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for individual attention. Students can choose from community college programs designed to either launch careers immediately or provide a foundation for bachelor's degrees elsewhere.

The financial picture looks reasonable for a two-year school. Students pay an average net price of $16,050 after aid, with low-income families paying just $11,861. Graduates earn a median of $46,449 ten years after starting, while carrying relatively modest debt of $12,775. Monthly loan payments average $135, making the education affordable for most working graduates. The 95.5% employment rate suggests strong job placement after completion.

The student body is 56.64% women and draws heavily from Minnesota, with 86.44% coming from in-state. Only 19.25% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a mix of working adults and traditional students. The school offers four varsity sports through the NCCAA with 49 total athletes. The 38.20% six-year graduation rate reflects the community college mission of serving diverse student goals and timelines.

Academics & Faculty

Lake Superior College specializes in career-focused programs that prepare students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year universities. The college is particularly known for its healthcare programs, skilled trades training, and liberal arts transfer pathways. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, classes remain manageable for hands-on learning in technical fields. The 38% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality of community college students who often attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their associate degrees. Strong programs include nursing, automotive technology, and construction trades that connect directly to Duluth's industrial economy. The 95.5% employment rate demonstrates the college's success in preparing graduates for the workforce.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 43.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 38.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $46,449

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$65,332
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$51,197
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$47,963
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$44,984
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.	Associate	$42,682
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Associate	$42,123
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$41,565
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$38,721
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$34,704
Legal Support Services.	Associate	$33,993

View all 68 programs →

Campus Life

Lake Superior College sits in Duluth, a port city of 86,000 on the western tip of Lake Superior. Students need serious winter gear for Minnesota's brutal cold and snow that lasts from November through March. The campus serves 2,456 students with practical programs designed to get graduates working quickly. With an employment rate of 95.5%, most students here are focused on career training rather than traditional college social life.

As a community college, Lake Superior has no dormitories, so students commute from around the Duluth area. The student body is 86% Minnesota residents who often work part-time while studying. With just 49 total athletes across four varsity sports, the social scene revolves more around study groups and internships than game day traditions. Weekends typically mean working, family time, or exploring Duluth's outdoor recreation along the lake. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means classes feel more like job training than lecture halls. Students here are practical about their goals, choosing programs that lead directly to employment in healthcare, trades, or transfer to four-year schools.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	1	0	0	0
Fondling	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 1°–18°F
July Avg: 55°–76°F
Annual Precipitation: 31.0"
Annual Snowfall: 86.1"

Student Demographics

Lake Superior College draws primarily local students, with 86% coming from Minnesota. The student body skews female at 57%, reflecting strong enrollment in the school's popular healthcare and human services programs. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the college serves working-class families in the Duluth area. The demographic mix is predominantly white at 83%, typical for northern Minnesota's population. Students here are often first-generation college attendees or career changers seeking practical skills training. Many juggle work and family responsibilities while pursuing certificates and associate degrees in high-demand fields.

Men: 43.4%
Women: 56.6%
White: 82.9%
Black: 2.8%
Hispanic: 4.7%
Asian: 1.4%
In-State Students: 86.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 19.3%

Location

Duluth sits on the western tip of Lake Superior, Minnesota's fourth-largest city with about 86,000 residents. The campus serves a region where 86% of students come from in-state, drawing heavily from northeastern Minnesota's Iron Range communities. Duluth combines industrial heritage with outdoor recreation, surrounded by forests and the largest of the Great Lakes. The city's economy centers on shipping, healthcare, and tourism, creating natural pathways for Lake Superior College's trade and healthcare programs. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, while summers offer hiking, fishing, and lake activities. The Twin Cities lie 150 miles south. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Lake Superior College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Duluth, Minnesota 55811-3399

Lake Superior College Health and Science Building

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $46,449
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,613
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $34,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 46.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $135/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,775

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Lake Superior College?

Lake Superior College maintains open enrollment as a community college, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 2,456 students and focuses on providing accessible education for trades, healthcare, and transfer preparation. Most students come from Minnesota, with 86.44% being in-state residents.

How much does Lake Superior College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $16,050 annually, though costs vary by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,861 after aid, while those earning over $110,000 pay $19,850. The college charges the same $5,786 tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students.

What academic programs is Lake Superior College known for?

The college specializes in career-focused programs including trades, healthcare, and college transfer preparation. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, classes remain relatively small for personalized attention. The school operates on a semester system and emphasizes practical skills training for immediate workforce entry.

What are the job prospects for Lake Superior College graduates?

Graduates achieve a strong 95.5% employment rate, reflecting the college's focus on in-demand career fields. Alumni earn a median salary of $46,449 ten years after graduation, with relatively manageable debt loads averaging $12,775. Monthly loan payments typically run around $135 for those who borrow.

Where is Lake Superior College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Duluth, Minnesota, a small city setting near Lake Superior. Student demographics show 56.64% women and 43.36% men, with a predominantly white student body at 82.94%. The college fields four varsity sports teams with 49 total athletes competing in NCCAA athletics.

How successful are students at completing their programs at Lake Superior College?

The college reports a 38.20% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the varied paths community college students take. Many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing degrees. Only 21.98% of students take federal loans, indicating that many can afford the education without significant borrowing.