Normandale Community College: $6,321 Tuition

$6,321Tuition

6,040Students

19%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$50,207Earnings

Public2-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Normandale Community College

Normandale Community College serves as a stepping stone to four-year universities for students across the Twin Cities metro area. The college enrolls 6,040 students and has built a reputation for strong transfer programs that help students complete their first two years of college affordably. Nearly 98% of students come from Minnesota, creating a close-knit community focused on local educational needs. The Lions compete in athletics while maintaining the college's primary mission of academic preparation and workforce training.

Students pay an average net price of $12,370 after financial aid, with costs varying based on family income from $10,713 for the lowest earners to $17,393 for families making over $110,000. Graduates earn a median of $50,207 ten years after enrollment, making the typical debt load of $12,000 manageable with monthly payments around $127. The employment rate reaches 92.2%, though the loan repayment rate of 49% suggests some graduates face financial challenges.

The student body reflects Minnesota's growing diversity, with 38.7% White students, 27.7% Black students, and 15.8% Hispanic students. Women comprise 55.7% of enrollment. The 28:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, but only 27.6% of students receive federal financial aid, indicating many families can afford the relatively low tuition.

Academics & Faculty

Normandale serves as a stepping stone to four-year universities for students across the Twin Cities metro area. The college operates with a 28:1 student-faculty ratio, which means larger class sizes typical of community colleges but still allows for meaningful interaction with instructors. Only 18.9% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the reality that many attend part-time while working or transfer before finishing. The college excels at preparing students for transfer to University of Minnesota campuses and other regional universities. Students often praise the affordability and accessibility of core prerequisites here. Liberal arts and pre-professional tracks dominate course offerings, with strong support services helping students navigate their academic paths.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 28:1
Full-Time Faculty: 50.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 18.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $50,207

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$61,020
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$48,849
Marketing.	Associate	$42,682
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$39,909
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$35,420
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services.	Associate	$34,526
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$32,057
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Associate	$29,685
Engineering, General.	Associate	$25,194

View all 57 programs →

Campus Life

Normandale's suburban Bloomington campus sits just 10 miles from downtown Minneapolis, giving students easy access to the Twin Cities without big-city housing costs. With 97.92% of students coming from in-state, you'll find mostly local commuters who know the area well. Minnesota winters mean investing in a serious coat and boots for the months between November and March.

The 6,040-student body creates a bustling but manageable environment where the 28:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll likely know faces in your classes. Women make up 55.68% of enrollment, and the campus reflects Minnesota's growing diversity with 38.66% white students alongside significant Black (27.68%) and Hispanic (15.76%) populations. Since this is a commuter school without dorms, weekends often mean heading home or exploring the Twin Cities metro area. Students typically work part-time jobs while taking classes, with many planning to transfer to four-year universities after completing their associate degrees. Study groups often meet at nearby coffee shops or the campus library between classes.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1968

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
Stalking	2	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 8°–23°F
July Avg: 65°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 31.6"
Annual Snowfall: 51.2"

Student Demographics

Normandale draws students from across the Twin Cities metro area, with nearly 98% coming from Minnesota. The student body reflects the diverse demographics of the greater Minneapolis region. Women make up 56% of enrollment, typical for community colleges where many students pursue health sciences, education, and human services programs. About 28% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working families seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or career training. The school's reputation as a reliable transfer option keeps most students close to home while they complete general education requirements.

Men: 44.3%
Women: 55.7%
White: 38.7%
Black: 27.7%
Hispanic: 15.8%
Asian: 9.0%
In-State Students: 97.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 27.6%

Location

Normandale Community College sits in Bloomington, Minnesota, just 10 miles south of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The school serves the diverse Twin Cities metropolitan area, which shows in its student body composition of 38.66% white, 27.68% Black, and 15.76% Hispanic students. Bloomington offers suburban convenience with easy access to major employers like Mall of America and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The Twin Cities region provides abundant internship and job opportunities, reflected in the school's 92.2% employment rate for graduates. Nearly 98% of students come from in-state, drawing primarily from the metro area's working families seeking affordable education. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Normandale Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bloomington, Minnesota 55431-4399

Normandale Community College Kopp Student Center

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $50,207
Median Earnings (5 years): $52,049
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $34,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 49.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Normandale Community College?

Normandale Community College has an open admission policy typical of community colleges, meaning students don't need to worry about competitive acceptance rates. The college serves 6,040 students in the Twin Cities metro area and focuses on providing accessible higher education to all qualified applicants.

How much does Normandale Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Normandale is $12,370 per year, with costs varying by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,713 on average, while those from higher-income families pay up to $17,393, reflecting the school's commitment to affordability.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Normandale Community College?

Normandale has a student-faculty ratio of 28:1, which is higher than many four-year institutions but typical for community colleges. The college operates on a semester system and is particularly known for its strong transfer programs that help students transition to four-year universities.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Normandale Community College?

Normandale has an 18.90% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the diverse paths community college students take, including transferring before completing degrees. Graduates achieve strong employment outcomes with a 92.2% employment rate and median earnings of $50,207 ten years after enrollment.

Where is Normandale Community College located and who attends?

The college sits in Bloomington, Minnesota, serving a diverse student body that is 55.68% women and represents the Twin Cities' multicultural population. Nearly 98% of students are Minnesota residents, with significant representation from Black (27.68%), Hispanic (15.76%), and Asian (9.01%) communities.

Is Normandale Community College affordable for low-income students?

About 27.62% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant low-income enrollment, and graduates carry a manageable median debt of $12,000. Monthly loan payments average just $127, making Normandale an accessible option for students seeking affordable higher education in the Minneapolis area.