Leech Lake Tribal College: $4,148 Tuition

$4,148Tuition

243Students

Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About Leech Lake Tribal College

Leech Lake Tribal College serves the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and other Native American students in northern Minnesota's lake country. The college enrolls 243 students in a close-knit community where Ojibwe culture and language remain central to the educational mission. Students work directly with faculty in a 12:1 ratio that allows for personalized attention. The Lakers compete as part of a broader commitment to both academic excellence and cultural preservation.

Most students pay around $13,746 after aid, with costs staying consistent regardless of income level since 96% of students come from Minnesota. Nearly three-quarters of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the economic challenges many face. Graduates earn a median of $45,000 five years after leaving, though early career earnings average just $17,000. The college serves as an affordable stepping stone for students who often transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce with culturally grounded skills.

Women make up 62% of the student body, typical for tribal colleges nationwide. The campus operates on a semester system in rural Cass Lake, providing students with a strong connection to traditional lands. Only 7% of students are white, creating an environment where Native perspectives dominate classroom discussions and campus life.

Academics & Faculty

Leech Lake Tribal College centers its academics around preserving Ojibwe culture and preparing students for four-year transfers or immediate employment. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes where instructors know every student by name. Nearly 96% of students come from Minnesota, creating a tight-knit community focused on Indigenous perspectives across all subjects. The college offers associate degrees in liberal arts, natural resources, and business, with curriculum that weaves traditional knowledge alongside standard academic requirements. Students often take courses in Ojibwe language and culture as part of their general education. The Lakers compete as part of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium's athletic programs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Carnegie Classification: Tribal College

Campus Life

Nestled in the forests of northern Minnesota, this small tribal college sits about 200 miles northwest of Minneapolis. With just 243 students, everyone knows everyone on this intimate campus where the student-faculty ratio is 12:1. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, making heavy coats essential for navigating between buildings from October through April.

The student body is 95.83% from Minnesota, creating a tight-knit community rooted in Ojibwe culture and traditions. Women make up 62.14% of enrollment, reflecting broader trends in tribal college attendance. Most students commute from nearby communities around Leech Lake, giving the campus a quieter feel on weekends. The college emphasizes Indigenous knowledge alongside traditional academics, weaving Native American perspectives into coursework. Students often gather for cultural events and ceremonies that honor Ojibwe heritage. The rural setting means outdoor activities like fishing and hiking are popular when weather permits. The Lakers athletics program provides additional community connection in this close-knit environment where 70.47% of students receive financial aid.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1990

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: -5°–18°F
July Avg: 56°–79°F
Annual Precipitation: 26.8"
Annual Snowfall: 44.7"

Student Demographics

This tribal college serves primarily Native American students from Minnesota and surrounding areas, with 96% coming from in-state. The student body reflects the college's mission to preserve Ojibwe culture and provide accessible higher education to the Leech Lake Band and other Indigenous communities. Women make up 62% of enrollment, which aligns with national trends in tribal college attendance. Nearly three-quarters of students receive Pell Grants, demonstrating the college's commitment to serving first-generation and lower-income Native students who might not otherwise access higher education.

Men: 37.9%
Women: 62.1%
White: 6.6%
Black: 0.8%
Hispanic: 0.4%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 95.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 70.5%

Location

Cass Lake sits in northern Minnesota's lake country, about 200 miles northwest of Minneapolis. The town of roughly 800 people serves as a gateway to the Chippewa National Forest. Nearly 96% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's deep Minnesota roots. The rural setting offers access to pristine wilderness areas and traditional Ojibwe lands around Leech Lake itself. Students experience true small-town Minnesota life surrounded by forests, lakes, and tribal communities. The remote location creates a tight-knit campus environment where the 12:1 student-faculty ratio feels even more personal. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Leech Lake Tribal College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Cass Lake, Minnesota 56633

After College

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

Median Earnings (5 years): $44,958
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $17,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Leech Lake Tribal College?

Leech Lake Tribal College maintains an open admission policy with 243 students enrolled. The college serves the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and welcomes Native American students from across the region, with 95.83% of students coming from in-state.

How much does Leech Lake Tribal College cost after financial aid?

Students at Leech Lake Tribal College pay an average net price of $13,746 annually. With 70.47% of students receiving Pell Grants, the college serves predominantly low-income Native American families seeking affordable higher education.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Leech Lake Tribal College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 12:1, providing personalized attention in small classroom settings. This tribal college emphasizes culturally relevant education and strong relationships between Ojibwe instructors and students.

What are the career outcomes for Leech Lake Tribal College graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $44,958 five years after graduation. The college prepares students for careers that serve Native communities and provides pathways to four-year universities for further education.

Where is Leech Lake Tribal College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in rural Cass Lake, Minnesota, in a distant rural setting that connects students to traditional Ojibwe lands. With 62.14% women and 37.86% men, the Lakers compete in athletics while maintaining strong ties to Native cultural traditions.

How does Leech Lake Tribal College serve Native American students specifically?

Founded in 1990, the college serves as one of the nation's tribal colleges with 93.42% Native American enrollment. The institution preserves Ojibwe language and culture while providing two-year degrees that prepare students for careers in their home communities.