Central Lakes College-Brainerd Tuition & Completion (2026)
Central Lakes College-Brainerd is a public community college in Brainerd, Minnesota, enrolling about 1,614 students. The college offers associate degrees, career certificates, and transfer pathways to four-year universities. Typical net price after grant aid is about $13,869 for students who receive it, compared with published tuition near $6,249. Student demographics in federal data include White (81.5%) and Black or African American (5.3%) among the largest enrollment groups.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $6,249
- 2024 Average Net Price: $13,869 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: N/A Moderate Selectivity
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 1,614 59.8% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 53.20%
- Carnegie Classification: Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Vocational & Technical-High Nontraditional
- First-Generation Students: 31.7%
- Tuition trend: In-state tuition increase of 1.1% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Net price trend: Average net price increase of 2.9% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Full-Time Faculty: 56.2%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,202
- Room & Board: $9,459 annual estimate
Central Lakes College-Brainerd: what the data shows
Common questions about Central Lakes College-Brainerd, answered from College Scorecard and IPEDS in this repository.
Where is Central Lakes College-Brainerd?
Central Lakes College-Brainerd is located in Brainerd, MN (ZIP 56401-3900).
NCES locale classification: Town remote.
Is Central Lakes College-Brainerd public or private?
Central Lakes College-Brainerd is a Public institution.
How much does Central Lakes College-Brainerd cost?
Published tuition: $6,249.
Average net price after aid: $13,869.
| Family income band | Avg. net price |
|---|---|
| Family income $0–$30,000 | $12,264 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $10,454 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $12,970 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $15,489 |
| $110,001+ | $18,686 |
Sticker tuition × four years (estimate, no room/board): $24,996.
How big is Central Lakes College-Brainerd?
Total enrollment: 1,614 students.
Undergraduate enrollment: 6,202 students.
About 60% enroll full-time in our extract.
What is the graduation rate at Central Lakes College-Brainerd?
150%-time completion rate: 53.20%.
First-year retention: 68.6%.
What do graduates of Central Lakes College-Brainerd earn?
Median earnings: $39,389 six years after entry; $42,162 ten years after entry (College Scorecard).
How much debt do students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers: $11,000.
14.45% of students receive Pell grants.
What is Central Lakes College-Brainerd known for?
Largest IPEDS program completions at this institution:
- Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies (339 completions)
- Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse (82 completions)
- Farm/Farm and Ranch Management (48 completions)
- Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation (48 completions)
- Welding Technology/Welder (45 completions)
- Dental Assisting/Assistant (38 completions)
- Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training (34 completions)
- Criminal Justice/Police Science (26 completions)
- Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician (24 completions)
- Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) (14 completions)
See ROI & Programs for more.
Is Central Lakes College-Brainerd a good school?
We do not score schools on opinion. Federal data in our extract show completion rate 53.20%; median earnings $42,162 at 10 years; net price $13,869. Compare these figures to your cost, aid, and career goals.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition Costs
$6,249
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at Central Lakes College-Brainerd was $6,249.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$13,869
2024 Value
In 2024 Central Lakes College-Brainerd had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $13,869.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$55,476 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$13,869 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$24,996 4-Year Tuition
$9,459 Room & Board (annual, on-campus estimate)
$1,000 Books & Supplies (annual estimate)
$16,708 Estimated Annual Sticker (tuition + room/board + books)
$66,832 Estimated 4-Year Sticker (before aid)
4-year total cost breakdown for Central Lakes College-Brainerd.
Financial Aid by Income Level
14.45% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
11.96% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
0.00%
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at Central Lakes College-Brainerd was 0.00%.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Tuition tracker
Published tuition and average net price by reporting year come from the College Scorecard institution file. Values are not adjusted for inflation; missing cells mean the field was not reported or was suppressed for Central Lakes College-Brainerd in that year.
Reporting years in the table below: 2013–2023 (Scorecard labels refer to the institutional submission cycle).
| Year | In-state tuition & fees | Out-of-state tuition & fees | Average net price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | $5,393 | $5,393 | $10,934 |
| 2014 | $5,393 | $5,393 | $10,780 |
| 2015 | $5,384 | $5,384 | $10,618 |
| 2016 | $5,384 | $5,384 | $12,781 |
| 2017 | $5,494 | $5,494 | $12,618 |
| 2018 | $5,493 | $5,493 | $13,072 |
| 2019 | $5,611 | $5,611 | $12,514 |
| 2020 | $5,759 | $5,759 | $12,429 |
| 2021 | $5,954 | $5,954 | $12,802 |
| 2022 | $6,140 | $6,140 | $12,462 |
| 2023 | $6,209 | $6,209 | $12,829 |
Sticker tuition and net price over time
Where the institution reported separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, both appear. Gaps mean the value was not reported for that year.
College Scorecard reporting-year fields (not inflation-adjusted).
Net price by family income
Brackets follow Scorecard definitions for the series shown (public vs private institution).
Latest income-band net prices available in the processed extract.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Acceptance rate data is not available for this institution.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
Test score data is not available for this institution.
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
GPA requirements are not published by this institution. Contact the admissions office for specific academic requirements.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment & Student Demographics
Central Lakes College-Brainerd reported total enrollment of about 1,614 students in the latest College Scorecard extract. The student body is about 46% male and 54% female. Enrollment by race and ethnicity includes White (81.5%), Black or African American (5.3%), and Hispanic or Latino (4.1%). About 14.45% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants. Roughly 31.7% of students are first-generation college students.
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
59.8% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at Central Lakes College-Brainerd in 2024 is 1,614 students.
Undergraduate enrollment is about 6,202 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
68.6%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Enrollment by Race & Ethnicity
The largest enrollment share in our College Scorecard extract is White at 81.5%.
Shares are for total enrollment (undergraduate and graduate combined when reported).
College Scorecard student demographics.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
44.25% 100% Completion Time
53.20% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 44.25% of students graduating from Central Lakes College-Brainerd completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
Completions by Sex (Top Programs)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies: 28% male / 72% female
- Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse: 15% male / 85% female
- Farm/Farm and Ranch Management: 73% male / 27% female
IPEDS completions by sex for the five largest programs (aggregate CIPs excluded).
Completions by Race & Ethnicity
Combined IPEDS award counts across reported programs; largest group: White.
Summed across program completion records in our extract.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for Central Lakes College-Brainerd.
Return on Investment
$11,000 Median Student Debt
$42,162 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
26.09% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
660.00% Return on Investment
2.6 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for Central Lakes College-Brainerd.
Top Programs by Completions
10 largest programs by IPEDS completions (of 53 reported codes; aggregate/unknown CIP buckets excluded).
1. Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies: 339 completions
2. Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse: 82 completions
3. Farm/Farm and Ranch Management: 48 completions
4. Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation: 48 completions
5. Welding Technology/Welder: 45 completions
6. Dental Assisting/Assistant: 38 completions
7. Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training: 34 completions
8. Criminal Justice/Police Science: 26 completions
9. Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician: 24 completions
Most popular programs at Central Lakes College-Brainerd.
Employment Outcomes
Employment outcome data is not available for this institution.
Earnings outcomes for Central Lakes College-Brainerd graduates.
Operations
Instructional staffing and expenditure indicators for Central Lakes College-Brainerd from College Scorecard (not a full IPEDS finance statement).
Instructional Resources
- Full-time faculty share: 56.2%
- Average faculty salary (Scorecard): $9,626
- Instructional expenditure per FTE: $7,700
Endowment and detailed non-instructional staff counts require IPEDS Finance/HR surveys and are not in this extract.
Scorecard instructional metrics where reported.
About
Central Lakes College-Brainerd is a public institution located in Brainerd, MN, classified as Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Vocational & Technical-High Nontraditional. In the latest IPEDS completions in our extract, the largest programs by awards were Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Farm/Farm and Ranch Management. Enrollment is approximately 1,614 students. Student body composition includes White (81.5%), Black or African American (5.3%), Hispanic or Latino (4.1%). The 150%-time completion rate is 53.20%. Approximately 14.45% of students receive Pell Grants. About 31.7% of students are first-generation college students.
Institution Type
Public
Carnegie Classification: Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Vocational & Technical-High Nontraditional
Location
Brainerd, MN 56401-3900
Region: Plains
Insights and Analysis
Diverse Program Offerings: With over 53 distinct degree programs, Central Lakes College-Brainerd provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Central Lakes College-Brainerd located?
Central Lakes College-Brainerd is located in Brainerd, MN.
How much does Central Lakes College-Brainerd cost?
Reported tuition is $6,249 and average net price is $13,869 in the latest College Scorecard data. On-campus room and board is estimated at $9,459 annually.
What is the student body demographics at Central Lakes College-Brainerd?
Central Lakes College-Brainerd reports undergraduate enrollment of about 6,202 students, White (81.5%), Black or African American (5.3%) in federal College Scorecard data.
How many first-generation students attend Central Lakes College-Brainerd?
About 31.7% of students at Central Lakes College-Brainerd are first-generation college students.
What do graduates of Central Lakes College-Brainerd earn?
Median earnings are $39,389 six years after entry and $42,162 ten years after entry.
What is the graduation rate at Central Lakes College-Brainerd?
The 150%-time completion rate is 53.2% for the cohort reported to the College Scorecard.
How much debt do Central Lakes College-Brainerd students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers is $11,000.
Is Central Lakes College-Brainerd public or private?
Central Lakes College-Brainerd is a public institution located in Brainerd, MN.
Is Central Lakes College-Brainerd an HBCU?
No. Central Lakes College-Brainerd is not flagged as an HBCU in the IPEDS institutional directory.
Is Central Lakes College-Brainerd a tribal college?
No. Central Lakes College-Brainerd is not flagged as a tribal college in IPEDS.
Is Central Lakes College-Brainerd a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI)?
Using a 25% Hispanic enrollment threshold on College Scorecard demographics, Central Lakes College-Brainerd does not meet that proxy (reported share 4.1%).
Is Central Lakes College-Brainerd religiously affiliated?
No religious affiliation is reported for Central Lakes College-Brainerd in IPEDS institutional characteristics.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
- Related geography & profiles
- Minnesota college costs
- Minnesota colleges by ROI
- Minnesota trade schools profile
- Plains regional profile
- All state profiles
- Regional profiles
- National benchmarks
- School directory
- All schools in Minnesota
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.