Red Lake Nation College: $6,640 Tuition

$6,640Tuition

256Students

48%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About Red Lake Nation College

Red Lake Nation College preserves Ojibwe language and culture while preparing students for careers and four-year transfers. The tribal college serves the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians with 256 students in Minnesota's remote north woods. Nearly three-quarters of students are women, reflecting strong female leadership in tribal education. The college operates on a semester system with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay about $8,444 annually after aid, while those from middle-income families ($48,000-$75,000) pay just $5,739. Graduates earn a median of $28,403 five years after leaving, which reflects the rural economy and the college's role as a stepping stone to bachelor's degrees. No students take federal loans, suggesting the college keeps costs manageable. The 48% six-year graduation rate shows the challenges many tribal college students face, often balancing education with family and cultural responsibilities. All students come from Minnesota, creating a tight-knit community focused on preserving Red Lake traditions. The college emphasizes both academic success and cultural identity, preparing graduates to serve their community while advancing their education.

Academics & Faculty

Red Lake Nation College centers its academics around Ojibwe language and cultural preservation, serving as one of the nation's tribal colleges. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive close mentorship from instructors who understand both academic and cultural learning. The college offers associate degrees that blend traditional liberal arts with Indigenous studies and cultural programs. Nearly three-quarters of students are women, reflecting strong community investment in education. The 48% graduation rate shows the challenges many students face balancing college with family and work responsibilities on the reservation. Programs emphasize both career preparation and cultural identity, preparing graduates to serve their community while maintaining connections to Ojibwe traditions and language.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 34.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 48.1%
Carnegie Classification: Tribal College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$21,508

View all 4 programs →

Campus Life

Red Lake Nation College sits on the Red Lake Reservation in northern Minnesota, about 250 miles from Minneapolis. With just 256 students, you'll know most of your classmates by name. The campus serves exclusively tribal members, with 100% of students coming from within Minnesota. Women make up 73% of the student body, creating a close-knit community focused on cultural preservation.

Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, so pack heavy coats for the long season that stretches into April. The rural setting means campus life revolves around academic and cultural activities rather than typical college nightlife. Students often participate in traditional ceremonies and Ojibwe language classes that extend beyond the classroom. With 89% receiving Pell Grants, most students work part-time jobs in addition to their studies. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and often serve as mentors. Weekend activities typically include community gatherings, cultural events, and outdoor activities like fishing and hunting that connect to traditional ways of life.

Setting: Rural-Remote
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1987

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: -5°–17°F
July Avg: 57°–79°F
Annual Precipitation: 24.5"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Red Lake Nation College serves exclusively students from Minnesota, reflecting its mission as a tribal institution for the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians. Nearly 90% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves a predominantly low-income population. Women make up almost three-quarters of the student body, which aligns with the college's focus on education, health, and human services programs that traditionally attract more female students. The 256-student enrollment creates an intimate learning environment where students can deeply engage with Ojibwe language and cultural preservation alongside their academic studies.

Men: 27.0%
Women: 73.1%
White: 0.0%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 0.4%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 89.1%

Location

Red Lake Nation College sits in Red Lake, Minnesota, roughly 150 miles northwest of Minneapolis. The campus serves a remote community on the Red Lake Indian Reservation, one of the few closed reservations in Minnesota where 100% of students are in-state residents. This rural setting preserves traditional Ojibwe culture while providing modern education. The college operates on 1,258 acres of forested land surrounding Red Lake itself, Minnesota's largest natural lake entirely within state borders. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, creating a challenging but culturally significant environment. The isolation strengthens community bonds among the 256 enrolled students. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Red Lake Nation College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Red Lake, Minnesota 56671-0000

After College

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

Median Earnings (5 years): $28,403

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the admission process like at Red Lake Nation College?

Red Lake Nation College serves exclusively students from the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians with 100% in-state enrollment. The college maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with 256 total students. As a tribal college founded in 1987, it focuses on preserving Ojibwe language and culture while providing accessible higher education to the community.

How much does Red Lake Nation College cost after financial aid?

The net cost varies by family income, ranging from $5,739 for middle-income families to $12,138 for higher-income households. Tuition remains the same for all students at $6,640 regardless of residency status.

What academic programs is Red Lake Nation College known for?

The college specializes in programs that preserve and promote Ojibwe language and cultural traditions. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in their coursework. The institution operates on a semester system and serves as an important educational resource for the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians.

What are the graduation outcomes at Red Lake Nation College?

The college achieves a 48.10% six-year graduation rate for its students. Graduates earn a median income of $28,403 five years after completion. The college serves a predominantly female student body, with women comprising 73.05% of enrollment.

Where is Red Lake Nation College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in the rural-remote setting of Red Lake, Minnesota, serving the Red Lake reservation community. With only 256 students enrolled, the campus maintains an intimate, close-knit atmosphere. The remote location allows students to stay connected to their tribal community while pursuing higher education.

Does Red Lake Nation College offer substantial financial support to students?

Additionally, 15.63% of students receive institutional grants averaging $6,914. Remarkably, the federal loan rate stands at 0.00%, meaning students typically graduate debt-free from federal borrowing.

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About This Data

Statistics on this page come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and IPEDS (2023–24 data year), with climate normals from NOAA and campus safety figures from Clery Act reports. CampusGuide does not estimate or adjust reported figures. Read our full methodology.