About Minnesota State Community and Technical College
The financial picture looks promising for most students. The average net price of $11,274 includes both tuition and living expenses, making it accessible for working families. Students who receive Pell Grants represent 25% of enrollment, and the typical graduate leaves with just $12,000 in debt. Ten years after graduation, median earnings reach $45,591, which easily covers the modest $127 monthly loan payments. The 96.2% employment rate demonstrates strong job placement success.
Campus life centers around the Spartans athletic teams, with 125 student-athletes competing in 8 NCCAA sports. Women outnumber men 60% to 40% on campus. The student body is 68% white with significant Black (15%) and Hispanic (6%) representation. On-campus housing accommodates 121 students, creating a residential community feel despite the college's commuter-friendly mission.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 56.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 46.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,591
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,026 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $45,696 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $44,468 |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $43,575 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $43,426 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $43,277 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $41,937 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,205 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $40,485 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Associate | $39,729 |
Campus Life
The 21:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller, hands-on classes typical of technical programs. With 60% women and nearly 70% Minnesota residents, the student body reflects the agricultural and healthcare needs of west-central Minnesota. The Spartans field 8 varsity sports with 125 total athletes competing at the NCCAA level, though there are no athletic scholarships available. Weekends often center around outdoor activities like fishing and hunting, given the rural setting. Many students work part-time jobs while attending classes, as the college emphasizes career preparation over traditional college social life. The semester system allows students to balance technical training with family and work commitments common in smaller Minnesota communities.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 121 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 2003
Campus Safety (2023)
31 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 13 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 0°–21°F
- July Avg
- 59°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 45.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 39.7%
- Women
- 60.3%
- White
- 68.3%
- Black
- 14.6%
- Hispanic
- 6.3%
- Asian
- 2.5%
- In-State Students
- 68.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.2%
Location
- Address
- Fergus Falls, Minnesota 56537-1000
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,591
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $51,050
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 51.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $127/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Minnesota State Community and Technical College?
Minnesota State Community and Technical College has an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. With 2,875 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in west-central Minnesota. The institution focuses on providing career-focused programs and transfer pathways rather than selective admissions.
How much does Minnesota State Community and Technical College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $11,274 after financial aid, with tuition set at $5,900 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Only 25.18% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the college's already affordable tuition structure. Graduates typically carry a median debt of just $12,000 with manageable monthly loan payments of $127.
What academic programs is Minnesota State Community and Technical College known for?
The college operates as a comprehensive community and technical institution offering career-focused programs alongside transfer pathways to four-year universities. With a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in their coursework. The school was founded in 2003 through a merger, combining community college academics with technical training programs.
What are the job prospects for Minnesota State Community and Technical College graduates?
Graduates achieve a strong 96.2% employment rate, demonstrating the college's effectiveness in preparing students for the workforce. The median earnings reach $45,591 ten years after graduation, reflecting solid career outcomes for a two-year institution. However, the 46.40% six-year graduation rate indicates that many students take longer to complete their programs or transfer before finishing.
What is campus life like at Minnesota State Community and Technical College?
The rural-fringe campus in Fergus Falls houses just 121 students in on-campus housing, creating an intimate residential experience. The Spartans compete in 8 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 125 total athletes, though no athletic scholarships are available. The student body is 60.31% women and 68.31% white, with 68.42% coming from within Minnesota.
Does Minnesota State Community and Technical College offer good value for students from low-income families?
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of just $7,717, making higher education highly accessible for low-income students. The college's model of combining affordable tuition with career training creates pathways to middle-class earnings without excessive debt. With room and board at $8,400, the total cost of attendance remains reasonable at $16,260.
