- South Central College is a Minnesota Community and Technical College with a history of academic excellence since 1946. The college has campuses in two great communities: Faribault and Mankato.
School Highlights
South Central College serves 4,209 students (29% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is lower than the state community college average of 22:1.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 42%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 4,209 students
- In-state tuition: $5,378
- Out-state tuition: $5,378
- Student:teacher ratio: 18:1
- Minority enrollment: 30%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
South Central College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
School Overview
The teacher population of 234 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
South Central College
(MN) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Career & Technical-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
234 staff
153 staff

School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of South Central College has grown by 51% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 has increased from 11:1 over five years.
The South Central College diversity score of 0.49 is less than the state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
4,209 students
2,555 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
22:1

# Full-Time Students
1,231 students
915 students

# Part-Time Students
2,978 students
1,808 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
420 students
372 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,231 students
842 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
38 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
2,978 students
1,771 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
12 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
116 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
1%

% Asian
1%
6%

% Hispanic
9%
8%

% Black
9%
15%

% White
70%
58%

% Hawaiian
n/a
1%

% Two or more races
2%
4%

% Non Resident races
2%
1%

% Unknown races
5%
6%


Diversity Score
0.49
0.63

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.2636%
0.3421%

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.5652%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$36,100
$36,900

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $5,378 is less than the state average of $5,489. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,378 is less than the state average of $6,145. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,378
$5,489

Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,378
$6,145

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
94%
89%

Median Debt for Graduates
$12,000
$12,264

Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,242
$6,747

Acceptance Rate
n/a
94%
SAT Reading
n/a
625
SAT Math
n/a
600
SAT Writing
n/a
565
ACT Composite
n/a
24
ACT English
n/a
24
ACT Math
n/a
23
ACT Writing
n/a
8
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- South Central College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Applied Science, Associate in Science (degrees), diplomas, and certificates. South Central College has more than 50 quality program options with industry-savvy instructors. Many programs have evening degree completion opportunities. South Central College offers a variety of online courses. South Central College offers on-campus child care, career counseling and academic support services including tutoring and ADA assistance. South Central College enjoys established relationships with regional businesses and industries that provide great employment opportunities for students and graduates. South Central College offers a unique agriculture education "2 plus 2" program in collaboration with the University of Minnesota.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does South Central College cost?
South Central College's tuition is approximately $5,378 for In-State students and $5,378 for Out-State students.
What is South Central College's ranking?
South Central College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Minnesota for: Least expensive tuition.
Recent Articles

Obtaining Your Bachelor's Degree at a Community College
Explore the evolving landscape of community colleges offering bachelor's degrees, addressing affordability, accessibility, and workforce needs.

A to Z of Community College Certificates and Courses
From business and healthcare to technology and skilled trades, the article showcases the breadth of options available to students seeking to enhance their knowledge, develop new skills, or pursue career advancement.

What is a Community College?
This comprehensive guide explains what a community college is, its history, and its role in higher education. It covers the types of programs offered, differences from four-year colleges, benefits of attending, and important considerations for prospective students, providing valuable insights for those exploring educational options.