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$4,681Tuition
569Students
40%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$41,232Earnings
Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About Pine Technical & Community College

Pine Technical & Community College trains students for hands-on careers in Minnesota's rural economy. The school serves 569 students focused on technical and trade programs that connect directly to local job markets. Nearly all students come from Minnesota, with 94% choosing to stay in-state for their education. The rural-remote setting in Pine City reflects the school's mission to serve smaller communities across the state.

Students pay an average net price of $10,281 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable pathways to career training. Graduates earn a median of $41,232 ten years after starting, while carrying relatively modest debt loads of $14,392. The monthly loan payment of $153 stays manageable for most technical careers. Low-income students get the best deal, paying just $8,151 net price annually. The employment rate hits 91.3%, showing strong job placement in trades and technical fields.

The student body runs 57% women to 43% men, reflecting growing female participation in technical programs. Only 15% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting many come from working families rather than the lowest income brackets. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means hands-on training happens in reasonably sized groups. Pine Tech focuses on getting students job-ready quickly rather than academic prestige.

Academics & Faculty

Pine Technical & Community College specializes in hands-on technical and trade programs that prepare students for immediate employment in Minnesota's rural economy. The school offers career-focused training in fields like automotive technology, welding, construction, and healthcare support roles. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in small workshop and lab settings. The 39.8% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students complete shorter certificate programs rather than full associate degrees. An impressive 91.3% employment rate demonstrates the school's strong connections to local employers who actively recruit graduates. Programs emphasize practical skills and industry certifications that lead directly to stable, middle-class careers in trades and technical fields.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
20:1
Full-Time Faculty
31.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
39.8%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$41,232

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $58,221
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $46,478
Human Services, General. Associate $40,821
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $29,685

View all 40 programs →

Campus Life

Pine Technical serves 569 students in a small Minnesota town about 90 miles north of Minneapolis. You'll need heavy winter coats here as temperatures drop well below freezing from December through February. The campus sits in rural Pine City where 94% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community feel.

Students focus intensively on hands-on technical training with a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Most commute from surrounding rural areas since there's limited on-campus housing. Weekend life centers around the outdoors with fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling popular activities given the northern Minnesota location. The 91% employment rate reflects strong connections between programs and local employers. With only 15% receiving federal Pell grants, many students work while attending classes. The campus culture emphasizes practical skills over traditional college social life. Students often form study groups around shared technical programs rather than participating in typical campus activities. Pine City offers basic amenities but students typically travel to larger towns for entertainment and shopping.
Setting
Rural-Remote
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
0°–19°F
July Avg
54°–79°F
Annual Precipitation
33.0"
Annual Snowfall
44.8"

Student Demographics

Pine Technical draws students from across rural Minnesota, with 94% coming from in-state. The school has built a strong reputation in local communities for preparing students for technical careers. Women make up 57% of enrollment, reflecting the college's growing healthcare and business programs alongside traditional trades. The student body is primarily white at 83%, mirroring the demographics of rural Minnesota. Only 15% receive Pell Grants, suggesting many students come from working-class families who earn just above federal aid thresholds but still need affordable training options.
Men
42.7%
Women
57.3%
White
83.1%
Black
6.3%
Hispanic
4.2%
Asian
1.4%
In-State Students
94.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
15.0%

Location

Pine City sits in east-central Minnesota, about 90 miles north of the Twin Cities metro area. This rural community of roughly 3,200 residents serves as a center for the surrounding lakes region. The campus draws 94% of its 569 students from within Minnesota, reflecting its role as a local workforce development center. Pine City offers small-town living with access to outdoor recreation, including nearby Snake River and numerous lakes popular for fishing and boating. The area's economy centers on manufacturing, agriculture, and forestry, which aligns with the college's technical training programs. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Pine Technical & Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Pine City, Minnesota 55063

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$41,232
Median Earnings (5 years)
$47,073
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$32,800
Loan Repayment Rate
40.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$153/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,392

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Pine Technical & Community College?

Pine Technical & Community College maintains open admission policies typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of previous academic performance. The school serves 569 students focused on hands-on technical training. Most programs require a high school diploma or equivalent, with some technical programs having specific prerequisites.

How much does Pine Technical & Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,281 annually at Pine Technical & Community College. In-state and out-of-state tuition costs the same at $4,681 per year. Low-income students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of just $8,151.

What programs is Pine Technical & Community College known for?

Pine Technical & Community College specializes in technical and trade programs designed for rural Minnesota's workforce needs. The student-faculty ratio stands at 20:1, allowing for practical, hands-on instruction. Programs focus on preparing students for immediate employment in skilled trades and technical fields.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Pine Technical & Community College?

Graduates achieve a 91.3% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for technical skills in the region. The median earnings reach $41,232 ten years after graduation, with graduates typically carrying $14,392 in debt. Monthly loan payments average just $153, making the education financially manageable.

Where do most Pine Technical & Community College students come from?

The student body is 94.21% in-state residents, reflecting the college's role serving local Minnesota communities. Women make up 57.29% of enrollment, slightly higher than the men at 42.71%. The rural-remote setting in Pine City attracts students seeking technical education close to home.

Does Pine Technical & Community College offer financial aid to students?

Only 14.95% of students receive Pell Grants at Pine Technical & Community College, suggesting many come from middle-income families. Institutional grants average $5,040 for the 10.72% of students who receive them. The low federal loan rate of 10.95% indicates most students can afford the education without extensive borrowing.