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Central Lakes College-Brainerd

Brainerd, MN·Public·1,486 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 1,486 students.

N/A
Accept
1,486
Students
$12,829
Net Price
N/A
Grad Rate
$37,700
Earnings
10 yr
$8,439
Debt

About This School

Central Lakes College-Brainerd is a public institution located in Brainerd, Minnesota with approximately 1,486 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $12,829 per year. Typical graduates earn $37,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

Worth considering if you're looking for an affordable start — graduates carry just $8,439 in median debt, which is impressively low compared to most two-year schools. The $37,700 median earnings 10 years out is modest, so this path makes the most sense as a stepping stone to a four-year transfer or a specific career-track program like nursing or skilled trades rather than a general degree. The small enrollment and regional location mean limited campus life and fewer program options, so make sure your intended major is actually offered here before committing.

Setting
Remote town

Popular Programs

Health Professions17%
Computer Science3%
Business & Marketing3%
Visual & Performing Arts2%
Education0%
Biological Sciences0%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$6,209
Out-of-State Tuition
$6,209
Avg Net Price
$12,829
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants15%
Median debt at graduation$8,439

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
N/A
within 6 years
Retention Rate
N/A
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$37,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$8,439
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$8,439
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$31,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$37,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 4.5x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White81%
Black7%
Hispanic/Latino3%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,486 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Central Lakes College-Brainerd

501 West College Drive

Brainerd, MN 56401-3900

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Minnesota

Browse all Minnesota schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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