About Central Lakes College
Central Lakes College is a two-year public school devoted to affordable high-quality education in Minnesota communities. With results-oriented programs, CLC is a technical college serving anyone interested in successful career pathways and academic development. Take on training in the liberal arts, technical education, or customized programs with CLC.
Online associate’s degrees are offered through CLC distance learning formats. Students are able to balance work, family, and academics through recorded or streamed lectures. Accessible online programs include computer information technology, agricultural science, associate’s transfer programs, and more.
Accreditation & Licensing
Central Lakes College is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
2-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Postsecondary award, certificate or diploma of at least two but less than four academic yearsReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 5,906 ; Graduate: Not applicablePercent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 12% ; Graduate: Not applicableGraduation Rate:
53%Transfer Rate:
13%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$42,162Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$11,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
43%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$4,822Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Central Lakes College
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Computer Science & IT
Central Lakes College is a solid place to start a two-year college path. It works well for general education classes and building credits for transfer. Many students can move through lower-division courses at a steady pace and stay on track for an AA.
The path to finish is usually manageable with a clear term plan. Your timeline depends on course setup and weekly habits. In some classes, D2L Brightspace takes extra attention to track homework and due dates.
Overall, CLC is a good fit for students who want a clear two-year plan, steady progress each term, and a transfer-focused timeline.
At Central Lakes College, help is part of daily life. Advisors guide students through sign-up and early planning. Staff are kind and patient with routine forms and office steps. Small classes make it easier to meet with professors one on one.
That direct support can feel easier to get than at larger schools. Support is strong across the school, though it can vary by class. Many professors are understanding and helpful, including in online PSEO courses. Some classes are tougher and offer less teacher support. Students tend to do best when they connect with advisors early and stay in touch with professors through the term.
Online classes at CLC are workable and practical. Most online PSEO instructors are understanding and helpful. The pace can fit busy schedules. Instructor contact is usually easy in this smaller-school setting.
Course structure can vary by instructor. One D2L Brightspace class was hard to navigate. Homework tracking took extra effort in that setup. Online students do best with clear weekly planning. CLC’s online fit is strongest for self-managed pacing and steady structure.
At Central Lakes College, classes are practical and engaging. Instructors are approachable, and small class sizes help students connect. It is easier to ask questions and get help during class. Many courses feel useful, and the pace works well for many learners.
Class quality can vary from course to course. Even so, the overall experience shows supportive teaching and clear, career-focused learning. For many students, Central Lakes College offers a strong and steady start to a two-year degree.
Central Lakes College is a practical college start. Professors are usually easy to approach. Small classes help with one-on-one contact. Advising during sign-up is helpful and clear.
Staff support also feels personal in routine paperwork moments. Online classes show more variation. Most online PSEO instructors are understanding and helpful. But some classes feel harder than expected.
Help can vary by instructor. One D2L Brightspace class made homework tracking difficult. Overall, CLC fits a two-year start and transfer planning. Teaching is often practical and applied.
Support is real in day-to-day school tasks. The main pattern is class-to-class variation, especially online.
Central Lakes College is a practical college start. Professors are usually easy to approach. Small classes help with one-on-one contact. Advising during sign-up is helpful and clear.
Staff support also feels personal in routine paperwork moments. Online classes show more variation. Most online PSEO instructors are understanding and helpful. But some classes feel harder than expected.
Help can vary by instructor. One D2L Brightspace class made homework tracking difficult. Overall, CLC fits a two-year start and transfer planning. Teaching is often practical and applied.
Support is real in day-to-day school tasks. The main pattern is class-to-class variation, especially online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Central Lakes College
Is Central Lakes College accredited?
Yes. Central Lakes College is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does Central Lakes College offer?
Central Lakes College offers 7 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Central Lakes College offer?
Central Lakes College offers associate-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Central Lakes College?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Central Lakes College expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Central Lakes College falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Central Lakes College?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Central Lakes College first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
Is Central Lakes College military friendly?
Central Lakes College shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Central Lakes College through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Central Lakes College applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official High School Transcript/GED Score. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Central Lakes College accept life experience credit?
Central Lakes College accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.
Are Central Lakes College programs fully online or mixed?
Central Lakes College programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Central Lakes College offer?
Central Lakes College has online program options in areas such as Math & Science, Art & Liberal Arts, and Computer Science & IT; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Are any admission tests required for Central Lakes College programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is ACCUPLACER, ACT/SAT, Placement Test. Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Central Lakes College?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Central Lakes College programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Central Lakes College?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Central Lakes College, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Central Lakes College programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Central Lakes College program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Central Lakes College is featured in 2 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Central Lakes College is located in Minnesota
Minnesota at a Glance:
Top Majors in Minnesota:
Top Incentives in Minnesota:
- Minnesota State Grant: Up to $12,000 annually
Top Career Pathways in Minnesota:
- Entry Level: Healthcare Analyst ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Innovation Manager ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Healthcare Director ($150,000+)
- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, CPHIMS