Central Lakes College (CLC), Brainerd : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Central Lakes College
Set in Minnesota lake country, Central Lakes College's Brainerd campus pairs practical learning with a friendly, no‑nonsense vibe. Classrooms, labs, and shop spaces support strong study in the trades, health fields, business, and transfer‑ready liberal arts. Students lean on a learning commons, tutoring and advising, counseling, and a career center that helps line up internships and apprenticeships. And the on‑campus arts scene and student services give the place more texture than you might expect.
Student life runs casual and welcoming. Clubs, outdoor rec, and intramurals spill into a community known for trails, water, and seasonal work that often turns into real experience. Faculty have a reputation for hands‑on teaching and local ties, so projects often echo real job sites. The culture is down‑to‑earth, with a mix of recent grads and returning adults who show up ready to work. It feels practical, in a good way, and it connects you to the region's employers without making a big fuss about it.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Central Lakes College (CLC), Brainerd offers 50 degree programs across 19 major academic fields, graduating approximately 887 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Liberal Arts (1 programs, 339 graduates), Health (6 programs, 170 graduates), Agriculture (5 programs, 69 graduates), Transportation (1 programs, 48 graduates) and Production (2 programs, 47 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 339 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 339 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
24.0101 |
Health (6 programs, 170 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 82 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
| Dental Assisting | 38 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.0601 |
| Licensed Practical Nursing | 34 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.3901 |
| Emergency Medical Technology | 14 |
|
Other Award
|
51.0904 |
| Medical Administrative Assistant | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0716 |
| Nursing and Patient Care Assistant | 1 |
|
Residency
|
51.3902 |
Agriculture (5 programs, 69 graduates)
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farm and Ranch Management | 48 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
01.0104 |
| Applied Horticulture | 13 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
01.0601 |
| Greenhouse Operations and Management | 4 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
01.0604 |
| Agricultural Economics | 2 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
01.0103 |
| Landscaping and Groundskeeping | 2 |
|
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
01.0605 |
Transportation (1 programs, 48 graduates)
Logistics Management, Supply Chain and Transportation Systems
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Equipment Operation | 48 |
|
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
49.0202 |
Production (2 programs, 47 graduates)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology | 45 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
48.0508 |
| Machine Tool Technology | 2 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
48.0501 |
Mechanics (3 programs, 43 graduates)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel Mechanics Technology | 24 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
47.0605 |
| Marine Maintenance and Ship Repair Technology | 10 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
47.0616 |
| Automotive Mechanics Technology | 9 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
47.0604 |
Business (6 programs, 34 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 14 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
52.0201 |
| Entrepreneurship Studies | 7 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0701 |
| Business Administration | 4 |
|
Associate's
|
52.0101 |
| Accounting and Bookkeeping Technology | 4 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0302 |
| Accounting | 3 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
52.0301 |
| Office Occupations and Clerical Services | 2 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0408 |
Security & Safety (2 programs, 31 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Police Science | 26 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
43.0107 |
| Criminal Justice and Safety Studies | 5 |
|
Other Award
|
43.0104 |
Arts (5 programs, 24 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinematography and Film Production | 11 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
50.0602 |
| Advertising and Commercial Art | 9 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
50.0402 |
| Music Performance | 2 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0903 |
| Art Studies | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0701 |
| Music Technology | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0913 |
Eng. Technologies (2 programs, 20 graduates)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automation Engineer Technology | 11 |
|
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
15.0406 |
| Computer Systems Technology | 9 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
15.1202 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Central Lakes College (CLC), Brainerd
How much does it cost to attend Central Lakes College (CLC), Brainerd?
The annual tuition at Central Lakes College (CLC), Brainerd is $6,209 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $7,209 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $9,459 (off-campus) and books and supplies $1,000.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Central Lakes College, Brainerd offer?
Central Lakes College (CLC), Brainerd offers 50 academic programs across 19 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), Associate's, Residency, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (1 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (6 programs)
- Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine (5 programs)
- Logistics Management, Supply Chain and Transportation Systems (1 programs)
- Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Central Lakes College, Brainerd?
Central Lakes College (CLC), Brainerd provides financial aid to 8% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $5,582 and average loans of $5,794.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $4,639
- State/Local grants: $2,383
- Institutional grants: $790
- Federal loans: $5,279
The university supports 280 students with grants and 143 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Central Lakes College, Brainerd graduates?
Central Lakes College (CLC), Brainerd graduates earn a median salary of $39,389 after 6 years and $42,162 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $23,264 (25th percentile) to $61,365 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $65,800 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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