White Earth Tribal and Community College: $5,250 Tuition

$5,250Tuition

95Students

23%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$18,044Earnings

Private nonprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About White Earth Tribal and Community College

White Earth Tribal and Community College serves the White Earth Nation and surrounding communities with culturally-centered education rooted in Ojibwe traditions. This tribal community college enrolls just 95 students in rural Minnesota, creating an intimate learning environment where Indigenous knowledge systems blend with academic programs. The college operates on a semester system with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships.

Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of $4,206 after aid, while tuition remains the same for all students at $5,250. However, graduates earn a median of $18,044 ten years after enrollment, which may not provide strong financial returns on the investment. The 6-year graduation rate stands at 22.7%, reflecting the unique challenges many tribal college students face balancing education with community and family responsibilities.

The student body is predominantly female at 69.5% and draws entirely from Minnesota residents. About 71.6% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need in the community. The college's mission extends beyond individual advancement to strengthening tribal sovereignty through education that honors both traditional knowledge and contemporary skills needed for economic development on the reservation.

Academics & Faculty

White Earth Tribal and Community College centers its academics around Anishinaabe culture and traditional knowledge systems. The school serves 95 students with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in small classroom settings. As a tribal college, programs integrate indigenous perspectives into liberal arts education, natural resources management, and workforce development. The 22.7% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many first-generation college students face, but also highlights the college's commitment to serving students who might not otherwise pursue higher education. Faculty work closely with students to bridge traditional knowledge with contemporary academic skills. The college emphasizes community-based learning that connects coursework directly to tribal nation building.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 33.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 22.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $18,044
Carnegie Classification: Tribal College

Campus Life

White Earth Tribal and Community College sits in the heart of northern Minnesota's White Earth Reservation, about 50 miles from Fargo-Moorhead and 200 miles northwest of Minneapolis. With just 95 students and a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, everyone knows your name on this intimate campus. You'll definitely need a heavy winter coat as temperatures regularly drop below zero from December through February, while summers bring pleasant 70-80 degree days perfect for outdoor activities.

Nearly 70% of students are women, and the campus reflects its mission of serving Native communities with 84% of students identifying as non-white. Weekend activities often center around cultural events, powwows, and community gatherings that connect the college to the broader White Earth Nation. Students frequently participate in traditional ceremonies and language preservation programs. The rural setting means trips to nearby Detroit Lakes for shopping or entertainment, but many students appreciate the quiet environment for studying and the strong sense of community. Campus housing costs $7,175 annually, though many students commute from nearby tribal communities where they maintain family connections.

Setting: Rural-Remote
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1997

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: -1°–18°F
July Avg: 57°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 25.0"
Annual Snowfall: -732.3"

Student Demographics

White Earth Tribal and Community College draws students exclusively from Minnesota, reflecting its deep roots in serving local Native American communities. Women make up about 70% of the student body, likely drawn to the college's strong programs in human services, education, and health fields that align with traditional community care roles. Most students qualify for Pell Grants, showing the college fulfills its mission of providing affordable higher education access. The student body is predominantly Native American, with the college serving as an educational center for the White Earth Nation and surrounding tribal communities seeking culturally-relevant learning opportunities.

Men: 30.5%
Women: 69.5%
White: 11.6%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 4.2%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 71.6%

Location

Mahnomen, Minnesota sits about 220 miles northwest of Minneapolis in the heart of White Earth Reservation territory. The rural-remote setting serves 95 students in Minnesota's lake-dotted northern region. This small town of roughly 1,200 residents lies surrounded by forests, wetlands, and traditional Ojibwe homeland. The college operates as one of 37 tribal colleges nationwide, with 100% of students coming from in-state. Agriculture and natural resources shape the local economy alongside the White Earth Nation's governmental and cultural enterprises. The nearest substantial city, Fargo, sits about 90 miles west across the North Dakota border. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare White Earth Tribal and Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Mahnomen, Minnesota 56557

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $18,044
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $14,200

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at White Earth Tribal and Community College?

White Earth Tribal and Community College serves 95 students with open enrollment policies typical of tribal colleges. The school maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in culturally-centered programs designed for the White Earth Nation and surrounding communities.

How much does White Earth Tribal and Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,778 annually, with 71.57% receiving financial aid. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to just $4,206, making this tribal college highly accessible to low-income Native American students.

What academic programs does White Earth Tribal and Community College offer?

This two-year tribal college operates on a semester calendar system with a focus on culturally-centered education. Only 9.47% of students receive institutional grants averaging $10,937, reflecting the school's mission to serve tribal communities rather than compete for traditional college rankings.

What are the career outcomes for White Earth Tribal and Community College graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $18,044 ten years after enrollment, with the 6-year graduation rate at 22.70%. These outcomes reflect the college's role as a stepping stone for tribal students who often transfer to four-year institutions or return to serve their communities.

Where is White Earth Tribal and Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in rural-remote Mahnomen, Minnesota, with on-campus room and board costing $7,175 annually. Women comprise 69.47% of the student body, while the campus serves as a cultural center for preserving Anishinaabe traditions and language.

Does White Earth Tribal and Community College serve primarily Native American students?

The student body is 11.58% white with 100% in-state enrollment, reflecting its mission as a tribal college founded in 1997. The college specifically serves the White Earth Nation and maintains strong connections to Ojibwe culture and community needs.