Central Lakes College
Brainerd, Minnesota
About Central Lakes College
A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation
Founded in 1938, Central Lakes College is a 2-year college serving students in Brainerd, Minnesota. With a tradition of academic excellence, Central Lakes College prepares graduates for success in Humanities, Health Professions, Agriculture, and more.
A Diverse Community in Brainerd
Students come from across the country and around the world, creating a campus culture rich in perspectives and experiences. With a 18:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and provide mentorship that extends beyond the classroom.
Commitment to Access and Affordability
Central Lakes College is committed to meeting full demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Families earning less than $30,000 per year typically pay $10,479, and those earning up to $48,000 contribute a portion of their income. This need-aware policy ensures that talent and drive matter more than bank accounts, opening doors for first-generation and low-income students.
Research That Shapes the World
Central Lakes College emphasizes hands-on learning, internships, and close faculty mentorship. Students gain practical experience through internships, research projects, and co-ops, preparing them for immediate career success or graduate study. The focus on undergraduate teaching means professors prioritize your growth and development.
Outcomes for Central Lakes College students
| First-year retention rate | 65% |
|---|---|
| Median earnings 8 years after enrolling | $40,383 |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $42,162 |
| Median debt at graduation | $11,000 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Students at Central Lakes College
| Total enrollment | 4,532 |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students | 4,532 |
| International students | 0% |
| First-generation students | 32% |
What you can study at Central Lakes College
46 programs, most of them in these fields:
Engineering Technologies (5)
Automation Engineer Technology/Technician, Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General, Industrial Electronics Technology/Technician, and more
Health Professions (5)
Dental Assisting/Assistant, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General, Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary, and more
Business Management Marketing Support (4)
Accounting, Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General, Business Administration and Management, General, and more
Computer Information Sciences (4)
Computer Programming, Specific Applications, Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Computer/Computer Systems Technology/Technician, and more
Homeland Security Law Enforcement (4)
Criminal Justice/Police Science, Criminal Justice/Safety Studies, Criminalistics and Criminal Science, and more
Visual and Performing Arts (4)
Cinematography and Film/Video Production, Commercial and Advertising Art, Photographic and Film/Video Technology/Technician, and more
Agriculture (3)
Applied Horticulture/Horticulture Operations, General, Horticultural Science, Viticulture and Enology
Engineering (3)
Engineering, General, Industrial Engineering, Pre-Engineering
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Central Lakes College FAQ
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Central Lakes College evaluates applications holistically. Check the admissions website for current testing requirements, as policies may change year to year. Kollegio's Chance Me tool evaluates your profile with or without test scores to show realistic odds.
GPA expectations vary by program, and there's no strict cutoff. Admissions officers consider course rigor, grade trends, and school context when reviewing transcripts. Taking challenging courses and earning strong grades signals readiness for Central Lakes College's academic demands. Contact admissions for specific guidance.
Families earning less than $30,000 typically pay $10,479 for tuition, room, and board. Those earning up to $48,000 contribute a portion of income, bringing average net cost to around $12,829 for aided students. Most graduates leave with $11,000 in debt.. Use Kollegio's Scholarship Finder to stack external awards and reduce costs even further.
Central Lakes College offers need-based financial aid to international students. Roughly 0% of undergraduates come from outside the U.S., and many receive full or near-full aid packages.
Central Lakes College's acceptance rate is 100%, but your individual odds depend on your academic profile, extracurriculars, essays, and background. Kollegio's Chance Me tool analyzes thousands of data points to estimate your personalized probability and suggest schools where you're more likely to gain admission. Building a balanced list with reach, match, and safety schools ensures you have strong options come decision time.
Can you make it?
Chance me to see how your profile stacks up
Central Lakes College offers various application deadlines. Check the admissions website for early and regular decision options. Applying as soon as your application is ready can help you plan ahead.
Central Lakes College values depth over breadth. Admissions officers look for sustained commitment, leadership, and impact in a few areas rather than long lists of shallow involvements. Whether you've founded a nonprofit, led a research project, competed nationally, or worked part-time to support your family, your extracurriculars should reveal your passions and character. Kollegio's Activity Feedback tool helps you frame your experiences effectively.
Central Lakes College accepts transfer applications from students at other colleges. Transfer applicants need compelling academic and personal reasons for seeking a move, along with strong college transcripts and recommendations. Check Central Lakes College's admissions website for current transfer deadlines and requirements. Kollegio's tools can help you assess whether transferring makes sense for your goals.