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Central Lakes College-Brainerd

501 West College Drive
Brainerd, MN 56401

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Top Ranked (2025): View Rankings

Tel: (218) 855-8000

www.clcmn.edu

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SAVE SCHOOL

Central Lakes College is a full-service, comprehensive community and technical college. We offer a mix of technical college and community college programs and courses from campuses in Brainerd and Staples. As a comprehensive two-year college, we promote success for our students, businesses, and communities. Our dedicated and competent employees provide opportunities for students to prepare for the future by learning the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for living and earning. Some graduates of Central Lakes College transfer to Minnesota state universities or other colleges to complete four-year degrees. Other students at our college take a career path from more than 60 professional programs leading immediately to rewarding employment. We are part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, which is a network of 32 two-year and four-year state colleges and universities serving over 374,000 students in credit & non-credit courses on 53 campuses in 46 communities across Minnesota.

School Highlights

Central Lakes College-Brainerd serves 5,825 students (28% of students are full-time).

The college's student:teacher ratio of 46:1 is higher than the state community college average of 22:1.

Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 42%.

Quick Stats (2025)

Enrollment: 5,825 students
In-state tuition: $5,757
Out-state tuition: $5,757
Student:teacher ratio: 46:1
Minority enrollment: 16%
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Central Lakes College-Brainerd ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:

School Overview

The teacher population of 126 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.

Central Lakes College-Brainerd

(MN) Community College Avg.

Carnegie Classification

Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Nontraditional

Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional

Institution Level

At least 2 but less than 4 years

Institution Control

Public

Total Faculty

126 staff

171 staff

View Data

Total Faculty Trends Over Years (2008-2023)
Year	Central Lakes College-Brainerd	Minnesota
2023	126	153
2021	126	153
2020	126	153
2019	126	153
2016	112	102
2015	112	102
2014	112	102
2012	186	176
2011	190	172
2010	188	158
2008	172	170

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School Calendar

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Student Body

The student population of Central Lakes College-Brainerd has grown by 33% over five years.

The student:teacher ratio of 46:1 has increased from 36:1 over five years.

The Central Lakes College-Brainerd diversity score of 0.29 is less than the state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has grown by 13% over five years.

Total Enrollment

5,825 students

2,858 students

View Data

Total Enrollment Trends Over Years (2007-2024)
Year	Central Lakes College-Brainerd	Minnesota
2024	5,825	3,726
2023	4,448	1,690
2022	4,448	2,586
2021	4,491	1,912
2020	4,362	1,951
2019	4,362	1,951
2018	3,784	2,478
2016	3,890	2,910
2015	4,138	2,910
2014	4,138	2,910
2013	4,324	3,244
2012	4,402	3,056
2011	4,378	3,154
2010	4,010	2,473
2009	4,010	2,473
2008	3,226	2,644
2007	2,884	2,793

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Student : Teacher Ratio

46:1

22:1

View Data

Student-Staff Ratio Trends Over Years (2008-2023)
Year	Central Lakes College-Brainerd	Minnesota
2023	35:1	16:1
2021	36:1	16:1
2020	35:1	17:1
2019	35:1	17:1
2016	35:1	30:1
2015	37:1	33:1
2014	37:1	33:1
2012	24:1	23:1
2011	23:1	24:1
2010	21:1	23:1
2008	19:1	21:1

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# Full-Time Students

1,629 students

1,050 students

View Data

Full-Time Students Enrollment Trends Over Years (2007-2024)
Year	Central Lakes College-Brainerd	Minnesota
2024	1,629	1,231
2023	1,508	843
2022	1,508	1,062
2021	1,581	1,076
2020	1,577	1,109
2019	1,577	1,109
2018	1,550	1,123
2016	1,684	1,242
2015	2,150	1,242
2014	2,150	1,242
2013	2,154	1,539
2012	2,294	1,548
2011	2,517	1,663
2010	2,313	1,510
2009	2,313	1,510
2008	1,894	1,498
2007	1,851	1,509

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# Part-Time Students

4,196 students

1,808 students

View Data

Part-Time Students Enrollment Trends Over Years (2007-2024)
Year	Central Lakes College-Brainerd	Minnesota
2024	4,196	2,581
2023	2,940	1,190
2022	2,940	1,524
2021	2,910	1,424
2020	2,785	1,416
2019	2,785	1,416
2018	2,234	1,396
2016	2,436	1,690
2015	1,988	1,690
2014	1,988	1,690
2013	2,170	1,405
2012	2,108	1,423
2011	1,861	1,399
2010	1,697	1,088
2009	1,697	1,088
2008	1,332	1,146
2007	1,033	1,195

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# Enrollment Undergraduate

582 students

420 students

# Full-Time Undergraduate Students

1,629 students

915 students

View Data

Full-Time Undergraduate Students Enrollment Trends Over Years (2007-2024)
Year	Central Lakes College-Brainerd	Minnesota
2024	1,629	1,231
2023	1,508	662
2022	1,508	1,062
2021	1,581	1,058
2020	4,362	1,109
2019	4,362	1,109
2018	1,550	1,123
2016	3,890	1,153
2015	2,150	1,153
2014	2,150	1,153
2013	4,324	3,244
2012	4,402	3,056
2011	4,378	3,154
2010	2,313	1,510
2009	2,313	1,510
2008	3,226	2,644
2007	2,884	2,793

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# Full-Time Graduate Students

n/a

38 students

# Part-Time Undergraduate Students

4,196 students

1,771 students

# Part-Time Graduate Students

n/a

12 students

Total Dormitory Capacity

n/a

116 students

% American Indian/Alaskan

View Data

American Indian Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2008-2024)
Year	Central Lakes College-Brainerd	Minnesota
2024	56%	45%
2023	1%	5%
2021	1%	1%
2020	1%	1%
2019	1%	1%
2018	42%	33%
2016	1%	1%
2015	1%	1%
2014	1%	1%
2013	1%	1%
2012	1%	1%
2011	2%	1%
2010	2%	1%
2009	2%	1%
2008	2%	1%

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% Asian

View Data

Asian Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2007-2023)
Year	Central Lakes College-Brainerd	Minnesota
2023	2%	12%
2021	1%	6%
2020	1%	6%
2019	1%	6%
2011	1%	5%
2010	1%	5%
2009	1%	5%
2008	1%	5%
2007	1%	4%

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% Hispanic

View Data

Hispanic Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2009-2021)
Year	Central Lakes College-Brainerd	Minnesota
2021	2%	7%
2020	3%	7%
2019	3%	7%
2016	2%	5%
2015	2%	4%
2014	2%	4%
2013	1%	4%
2012	2%	5%
2011	2%	4%
2010	1%	3%
2009	1%	3%

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% Black

15%

View Data

Black Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2008-2023)
Year	Central Lakes College-Brainerd	Minnesota
2023	3%	9%
2021	1%	9%
2020	2%	12%
2019	2%	12%
2016	2%	9%
2015	2%	7%
2014	2%	7%
2013	1%	7%
2012	1%	11%
2011	1%	10%
2010	1%	10%
2009	1%	10%
2008	1%	9%

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% White

84%

58%

View Data

White Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2008-2023)
Year	Central Lakes College-Brainerd	Minnesota
2023	4%	11%
2021	91%	68%
2020	86%	63%
2019	86%	63%
2016	91%	73%
2015	91%	75%
2014	91%	75%
2013	94%	76%
2012	93%	74%
2011	91%	76%
2010	95%	75%
2009	95%	75%
2008	95%	81%

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% Hawaiian

n/a

View Data

Hawaiian Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2018-2024)
Year	Central Lakes College-Brainerd	Minnesota
2024	1%	5%
2023	87%	54%
2018	4%	5%

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% Two or more races

View Data

Two or More Races Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2011-2023)
Year	Central Lakes College-Brainerd	Minnesota
2023	3%	4%
2021	4%	4%
2020	3%	4%
2019	3%	4%
2016	3%	3%
2015	3%	3%
2014	3%	3%
2013	3%	3%
2012	3%	4%
2011	3%	4%

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% Non Resident races

n/a

View Data

Non Resident Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2013-2024)
Year	Central Lakes College-Brainerd	Minnesota
2024	8%	73%
2018	5%	55%
2013	9%	7%

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% Unknown races

0.29

0.63

View Data

Diversity Score Comparison Over Years (2008-2023)
Year	Central Lakes College-Brainerd	Minnesota
2023	0.24	0.63
2021	0.17	0.48
2020	0.26	0.52
2019	0.26	0.52
2018	0.22	0.52
2017	0.24	0.00
2016	0.17	0.41
2015	0.17	0.39
2014	0.17	0.39
2013	0.12	0.47
2012	0.13	0.44
2011	0.17	0.42
2010	0.10	0.37
2009	0.10	0.37
2008	0.10	0.32

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College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)

47%

34%

View Data

Completion Rates For First-Time of Full-Time Students Comparison Over Years (2008-2024)
Year	Central Lakes College-Brainerd	Minnesota
2024	47%	34%
2023	48%	38%
2022	48%	32%
2021	42.28%	32.37%
2020	43.81%	33.91%
2019	48.48%	33.33%
2018	42.6%	31.82%
2017	43%	32%
2015	40%	29%
2014	35%	29%
2013	38%	30%
2012	39%	30%
2011	41%	31%
2010	40%	29%
2008	40%	38%

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College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)

n/a

57%

Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)

$34,800

$36,900

View Data

Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years) Trends Over Years (2008-2013)
Year	Central Lakes College-Brainerd	Minnesota
2013	$34,800	$36,900
2012	$35,100	$36,500
2010	$34,300	$37,000
2008	$35,300	$36,300

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Tuition and Acceptance Rate

The public in-state tuition of $5,757 is more than the state average of $5,489. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.

The public out-state tuition of $5,757 is less than the state average of $6,145. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.

In-State Tuition Fees

$5,757

$5,489

View Data

Tuition Fees For an In-State Student Trends Over Years (2008-2024)
Year	Central Lakes College-Brainerd	Minnesota
2024	$6,209	$6,182
2023	$5,757	$5,378
2021	$5,757	$5,350
2020	$5,757	$5,350
2019	$5,757	$5,350
2016	$5,493	$5,323
2015	$5,393	$5,357
2014	$5,393	$5,357
2013	$5,393	$5,357
2012	$5,209	$5,173
2011	$5,255	$4,974
2010	$4,843	$4,655
2008	$4,714	$4,512

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Out-State Tuition Fees

$5,757

$6,145

View Data

Tuition Fees For an Out-Of-State Student Trends Over Years (2008-2024)
Year	Central Lakes College-Brainerd	Minnesota
2024	$6,209	$6,209
2023	$5,757	$5,661
2021	$5,757	$5,617
2020	$5,757	$5,617
2019	$5,757	$5,617
2016	$5,493	$5,549
2015	$5,393	$5,522
2014	$5,393	$5,522
2013	$5,393	$5,522
2012	$5,209	$5,426
2011	$5,255	$5,125
2010	$4,843	$4,843
2008	$4,714	$4,714

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Tuition Notes

Based on a 15 credits per term for two terms.

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid

85%

89%

View Data

Financial Aid Student Percentage Comparison Over the Years (2008-2023)
Year	Central Lakes College-Brainerd	Minnesota
2023	85%	89%
2022	85%	87%
2021	96%	94%
2020	80%	84%
2019	80%	84%
2018	88%	87%
2017	89%	87%
2013	89%	87%
2012	90%	89%
2011	89%	89%
2010	87%	83%
2009	71%	49%
2008	81%	76%

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Median Debt for Graduates

$10,473

$12,264

View Data

Median Debt For Students Who Have Completed A Certificate Or Degree Trends Over Years (2008-2023)
Year	Central Lakes College-Brainerd	Minnesota
2023	$10,473	$12,264
2021	$10,473	$12,264
2020	$10,473	$12,264
2019	$9,513	$12,000
2018	$11,051	$13,350
2017	$11,051	$13,350
2015	$11,410	$13,775
2014	$11,000	$13,122
2013	$10,500	$12,468
2012	$10,000	$11,859
2011	$9,495	$11,179
2010	$7,850	$10,000
2008	$6,125	$7,125

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Median Debt for Dropouts

$6,102

$6,750

View Data

Median Debt For Students Who Have Not Completed A Certificate Or Degree Trends Over Years (2008-2023)
Year	Central Lakes College-Brainerd	Minnesota
2023	$6,102	$6,747
2021	$6,102	$6,747
2020	$6,102	$6,747
2019	$7,001	$7,309
2018	$6,597	$7,508
2017	$6,597	$7,508
2015	$6,825	$7,253
2014	$5,966	$6,279
2013	$5,966	$5,500
2012	$5,500	$5,500
2011	$5,500	$5,500
2010	$5,000	$5,250
2008	$3,500	$3,500

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Acceptance Rate

n/a

94%

SAT Reading

n/a

625

SAT Math

n/a

600

SAT Writing

n/a

565

ACT Composite

n/a

ACT English

n/a

ACT Math

n/a

ACT Writing

n/a

Sports

Total Sports Offered

5 sports

Sports

Baseball, Basketball, Football, Softball, Volleyball

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

30 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:
Accounting Club, Art Club, Astronomy Club, Civic Engagement Club, CLC Computer Club, CLC Lions Club, Creative Imaging Club, Diesel Technicians Club, Diversity Club, Equality Coalition, Fishing Club, Global Connectsion Club, Heavy Equipment Club, Horticulture Club, Marine and Powersports, Marine Trades Club, Medical Assistants Club, Natural Resources Club, Nursing Club, Phi Theta Kappa, PN Nursing Club, PSeO Club, Psychology Club, Right Brain Media Club, Robotics Club, Sociability and Friends, Welding Club

Arts and Music Programs:
Choir

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Intramural Basketball, Trap Shooting Club

Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators

School Notes

With a knowledgeable, caring faculty and modern, results-oriented programs in comfortable facilities, CLC is the college of choice for seekers of success. Our roots are deep in a tradition dating to 1938 in Brainerd and 1950 in Staples. Communities across central Minnesota are filled with our graduates. While maintaining quality in degrees (Associate in Arts, Associate in Applied Science, Associate in Science), CLC responds to student need by scheduling relevant courses at convenient times and locations. Access is crucial to provide the service students deserve. The college offers more than 70 degrees and career education programs recognized through industry standards. The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, following a site team evaluation in 2002, accredited CLC for 10 more years.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Central Lakes College-Brainerd cost?

Central Lakes College-Brainerd's tuition is approximately $5,757 for In-State students and $5,757 for Out-State students.

What sports does Central Lakes College-Brainerd offer?

Central Lakes College-Brainerd offers 5 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Football, Softball and Volleyball.

What is Central Lakes College-Brainerd's ranking?

Central Lakes College-Brainerd ranks among the top 20% of community college in Minnesota for: Least debt for graduating students.

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Quick Stats (2025)

Enrollment: 5,825 students
In-state tuition: $5,757
Out-state tuition: $5,757
Student:teacher ratio: 46:1
Minority enrollment: 16%
Source: Verified school update

Did You Know?

For Minnesota public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $5,489 per year for in-state students and $6,145 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $17,300 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.

The average community college acceptance rate in Minnesota is 84%. Read more about national community college acceptance rates.

Minnesota community colleges have a of 0.63, which is lower than the national average of 0.74. The most diverse community college in Minnesota is Globe University-Minneapolis. Read more about community college diversity statistics in the USA.