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$5,050Tuition
3,299Students
16%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$51,142Earnings
Public2-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About North Hennepin Community College

This northwest Twin Cities community college draws 3,299 students to its Brooklyn Park campus in Minnesota's diverse suburbs. North Hennepin serves as a stepping stone for students transferring to four-year universities and those seeking career-focused training. The college has built a reputation for accessible education since 1966, particularly serving first-generation college students and working adults. Women make up 60% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in health sciences and human services.

Students pay an average net price of $9,804 after financial aid, with low-income families paying just $7,854. Nearly all students qualify for in-state tuition at $5,050 per year. Graduates earn a median of $51,142 ten years after starting, while carrying manageable debt loads of $14,750. The employment rate hits 94%, suggesting strong job placement despite the low 16% graduation rate typical of community colleges where many students transfer before completing degrees.

The student body reflects Minnesota's changing demographics, with 31% Black students, 33% white students, and 16% Asian students. Nearly 99% of students come from Minnesota, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, but monthly loan payments average just $156 for those who borrow.

Academics & Faculty

North Hennepin Community College serves as a transfer pathway and workforce training center for Minnesota's diverse northwestern suburbs. The college offers over 40 academic programs with particular strength in nursing, business, and skilled trades. With a 24:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be larger than typical community college settings, though this reflects the school's role as a high-enrollment transfer institution. The 15.7% six-year graduation rate is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Strong employment outcomes show 94% of graduates find work, with median earnings reaching $51,142 ten years post-enrollment, demonstrating the value of both transfer preparation and career-focused programs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
24:1
Full-Time Faculty
45.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
15.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$51,142

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $59,610
Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection. Certificate $53,984
Computer Science. Associate $50,270
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. Associate $48,265
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $42,682
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $42,402
Accounting and Related Services. Associate $42,363
Management Information Systems and Services. Associate $41,193
Legal Support Services. Certificate $37,748
Legal Support Services. Associate $37,568

View all 61 programs →

Campus Life

Brooklyn Park sits about 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis, giving students access to internships and jobs in the Twin Cities metro. With 98.59% of students coming from in-state, most commute from nearby neighborhoods rather than living on campus. The college doesn't offer dorms, so students typically live at home or in local apartments.

Minnesota winters demand serious preparation - expect snow from November through March and temperatures that regularly drop below freezing. Women make up 60.38% of enrollment, creating a welcoming environment for female students returning to school or starting college later. The diverse student body includes 30.52% Black students and 16% Asian students, reflecting Brooklyn Park's multicultural community.

Weekend life revolves around the Minneapolis area rather than campus activities. Students often work part-time jobs while taking classes, with many juggling family responsibilities alongside their studies. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means classes feel more personal than at large universities. Most social connections happen through study groups or brief conversations between classes rather than traditional college social events.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1966

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 5 0 0 0
Fondling 1 0 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
7°–23°F
July Avg
62°–83°F
Annual Precipitation
30.7"
Annual Snowfall
54.3"

Student Demographics

North Hennepin serves Brooklyn Park's diverse working-class community with 98% of students coming from Minnesota. The student body reflects the northwest Twin Cities suburbs, with roughly equal representation from white, Black, Asian, and Hispanic students. Women make up 60% of enrollment, drawn to the college's strong nursing and health science programs. Nearly one in three students receives Pell Grants, showing the college's role as an affordable stepping stone for first-generation college students and career changers seeking technical training.
Men
39.6%
Women
60.4%
White
33.3%
Black
30.5%
Hispanic
10.6%
Asian
16.0%
In-State Students
98.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
29.1%

Location

Brooklyn Park sits in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area, just 12 miles northwest of downtown Minneapolis. This Twin Cities suburb houses 86,000 residents and offers the advantages of urban proximity without city congestion. The college serves a diverse suburban community where 30.52% of students are Black and 33.31% are White. Nearly 99% of the 3,299 enrolled students come from Minnesota, reflecting the school's strong local ties. The area provides access to major employers in healthcare, technology, and manufacturing while maintaining a suburban feel with parks and family-friendly neighborhoods. Students benefit from internship and job opportunities throughout the greater Minneapolis region. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare North Hennepin Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55445

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$51,142
Median Earnings (5 years)
$56,934
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$35,600
Loan Repayment Rate
43.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$156/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at North Hennepin Community College?

North Hennepin Community College maintains open enrollment as a community college, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 3,299 students and draws nearly 99% of its enrollment from Minnesota residents. This accessibility makes it a popular stepping stone for students beginning their higher education journey.

How much does North Hennepin Community College cost after financial aid?

Students at North Hennepin Community College pay an average net price of $9,804 annually. The college charges $5,050 for both in-state and out-of-state tuition, reflecting Minnesota's resident-friendly pricing. About 29% of students receive financial aid, with those earning under $30,000 paying just $7,854 after aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at North Hennepin Community College?

North Hennepin Community College operates with a 24:1 student-faculty ratio, which is typical for community colleges focused on serving large numbers of students efficiently. The college follows a semester calendar system and emphasizes practical, career-oriented education. Class sizes reflect the institution's mission to provide accessible education to a diverse student body.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at North Hennepin Community College?

North Hennepin Community College reports a 15.7% six-year graduation rate, though this reflects the reality that many community college students transfer before completing degrees. Graduates achieve strong employment outcomes with a 94% employment rate and median earnings of $51,142 ten years after enrollment. The college successfully prepares students for immediate workforce entry or transfer to four-year institutions.

Where is North Hennepin Community College located and what is the campus like?

The college sits in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, a large suburban community in the Twin Cities metro area. With 60% women and 40% men enrolled, the campus serves a diverse population that is 33% white, 31% Black, and 16% Asian. The suburban location provides students access to both urban opportunities and a more relaxed college environment.

Does North Hennepin Community College offer good value for career training?

North Hennepin Community College provides solid value with graduates earning a median of $46,020 just one year after completion and monthly loan payments averaging only $156. The college specializes in workforce development and transfer programs, serving the diverse Brooklyn Park community since 1966. Students typically graduate with manageable debt of $14,750 while gaining skills for in-demand careers.