Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Out-of-state tuition
$5,908
$14,728 with room and board
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
5,645
Student-faculty ratio 18:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
46.4%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 46.4%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) is a prominent institution in the state of Minnesota, known for its commitment to providing accessible and high-quality education. Established in 1996, M State has developed a reputation for offering a wide array of programs that cater to the needs of diverse learners. The college emphasizes a student-centered approach, providing personalized support and resources to help students achieve their academic and career goals. With campuses located in various cities, including Fergus Falls, Moorhead, and Wadena, M State serves a broad geographic area, making education accessible to many.
M State's academic offerings include a variety of associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates across numerous fields such as healthcare, business, information technology, and liberal arts. The college prides itself on strong partnerships with local businesses and industries, which enhance employment opportunities for graduates. M State also boasts modern facilities equipped with the latest technology, providing students with hands-on learning experiences that are vital in today’s job market. The college promotes a vibrant campus culture, encouraging involvement in student organizations, athletics, and community service, fostering a sense of belonging and personal growth among students. Overall, Minnesota State Community and Technical College stands out as a leader in community education and workforce development in Minnesota.
Analysis of Key Data Trends at Minnesota State Community and Technical College
The data from Minnesota State Community and Technical College reveals several noteworthy trends in student demographics, graduation rates, and tuition costs over the years. One prominent observation is the steady increase in tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. From 2014 to 2023, tuition rose from $5,338 to $5,900, reflecting a 10.5% increase. This trend aligns with the broader national concern regarding rising college costs, which can significantly impact students’ financial burdens and decisions about pursuing higher education.
In conjunction with tuition increases, there has been a noticeable decline in undergraduate enrollment numbers. The student population decreased from 6,464 in 2014 to 5,282 in 2023, indicating a drop of approximately 18.3%. This decline may be attributed to various factors, including rising tuition costs, changing demographics, or shifts in student preferences for online or alternative educational pathways, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, the retention rates have shown slight fluctuations, with the rate hovering around 62-64% in recent years. This retention rate suggests that while a significant portion of students remains enrolled, there is still room for improvement. Enhancing student support services and engaging programs could help bolster retention efforts.
Furthermore, graduation rates have demonstrated some improvement, particularly the rate of students graduating within 150% of the expected time frame, which rose from approximately 29.1% in 2013 to 36.3% in 2023. This upward trend is a positive indicator of the institution's effectiveness in supporting students through to graduation, despite the challenges posed by external factors.
Overall, the interplay between rising tuition, declining enrollment, fluctuating retention rates, and improving graduation rates paints a complex picture for Minnesota State Community and Technical College, necessitating strategic initiatives to enhance student experience and institutional sustainability.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, near a city
- Nearest major city
- Minneapolis, about 160 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), about 170 mi
- Also known as
- M State
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Carrie Brimhall (President)
- Phone
- 2187361500
- City
- Fergus Falls, Minnesota
- Address
- 1414 College Way, Fergus Falls, MN 56537-1000
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Minnesota State Community and Technical College
The graduation data from Minnesota State Community and Technical College reveals some compelling insights about the academic landscape in 2023. Notably, the health-related programs stand out, particularly in registered nursing, where 76 students graduated. This aligns with the growing demand for healthcare professionals, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has placed unprecedented pressure on the healthcare system.
Interestingly, the data shows a lack of international students graduating from various programs, as indicated by the absence of graduates in all categories of international degrees. This could reflect challenges faced by international students, such as visa restrictions or financial hurdles, which may have been exacerbated by the ongoing global situation.
In the business sector, the number of graduates is also noteworthy, with 20 students in general business and 25 in accounting. These figures demonstrate the college's role in preparing students for careers in essential fields that drive the economy. However, the minimal representation of bachelor, master, and doctorate degrees across all programs suggests that the college primarily serves as a stepping stone for students aiming for associate degrees before pursuing further education.
Furthermore, the arts and sciences, while traditionally popular fields, show a low graduation rate, with only a handful of graduates in disciplines like drama and music. This could indicate a shift in student interest towards more career-oriented programs, particularly in technology and health services.
Overall, the data underscores the importance of adapting educational offerings to meet current job market demands while also addressing the barriers faced by international students, ensuring a diverse and inclusive educational environment.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $37,196 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | - | |
| Dental Assisting/Assistant. | $43,005-$49,723 | |
| Dental Hygiene/Hygienist. | $43,005-$49,723 | |
| Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician. | $30,880-$40,664 | |
| Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary. | $30,880-$40,664 | |
| Surgical Technology/Technologist. | $58,400 | |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician. | $58,400 | |
| Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. | $58,400 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician. | - | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $66,788 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | $33,742 | |
| Accounting. | $43,598-$43,887 | |
| Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General. | $49,493 | |
| Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations, General. | $50,302 | |
| Construction Management, General. | $62,834 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Information Technology. | $50,075 | |
| Computer Programming/Programmer, General. | - | |
| Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration. | - | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Lineworker. | $50,562-$63,636 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | - | |
| Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD. | $50,983 | |
| Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting CAD/CADD. | $50,983 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. | $47,658-$47,854 | |
| Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician. | $47,658-$47,854 | |
| Marine Maintenance/Fitter and Ship Repair Technology/Technician. | $47,658-$47,854 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | $31,461 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Engineering. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | - | |
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Sign Language Interpretation and Translation. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Assistant/Paralegal. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Music, General. | - |
Students
5,645 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 37:63 · Freshman retention 68.7%
- Continuing undergraduates 1,699
- First-year undergraduates 624
- Transfers and others 3,322
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (5,645)
Data insights
Overview of Student Demographics at Minnesota State Community and Technical College in 2023
In 2023, Minnesota State Community and Technical College showcases a diverse student body with notable gender distribution and ethnic representation among different student classifications. The data reveals that the largest group consists of continuing undergraduate students, numbering 1,870, with a significant female majority at 64.4%. This reflects a growing trend in higher education where female enrollment often surpasses male enrollment, particularly in community colleges.
The incoming undergraduate freshmen class has 748 students, with males comprising 54.7% of this group. This indicates a healthy interest from young males in pursuing higher education, although they still face challenges in retaining interest as they progress to upper-level studies, as evidenced by the lower male ratio in the ongoing undergraduate category.
The overall demographic breakdown by ethnicity shows that the institution has a significant representation of white students across all groups. As the college continues to promote diversity, understanding the proportions of students from various ethnic backgrounds will be crucial in enhancing inclusivity.
Looking at the gender ratios, it is clear that there is a disparity in male and female student enrollment in upper-level courses, which may prompt the college to implement targeted outreach programs to encourage male students to continue their education. Additionally, with the increasing number of international students, the college may benefit from fostering a more globally aware educational environment, promoting cross-cultural interactions between domestic and international students.
Overall, these statistics highlight the need for continuous assessment and adaptation of recruitment and retention strategies to ensure a balanced and supportive academic environment for all students.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Minnesota State Community and Technical College
The age distribution of students at Minnesota State Community and Technical College reveals significant trends regarding the demographics of its student body. The largest cohort is comprised of students under 18, with a striking 620 male and 1241 female students, indicating a predominance of females in this age range. This trend continues in the 18-19 age group, where females slightly outnumber males, with 561 females compared to 572 males.
As we analyze older age brackets, there is a noticeable decline in student numbers. For instance, in the 25-29 age group, the male representation drops to 134, while female participation is at 305, showcasing a continued trend of higher female enrollment. Interestingly, the participation of students aged 35-39 and above is minimal, with only 57 males and 140 females aged 35-39 and even fewer in the subsequent age groups.
This data suggests that younger students, particularly females, are increasingly pursuing higher education at Minnesota State Community and Technical College. The absence of graduate male and female students within the dataset also raises questions about the pathways and support systems available for students seeking advanced degrees.
In a broader context, these findings align with national trends where more women are enrolling in higher education compared to men. Factors contributing to this imbalance may include changing societal expectations, economic conditions, and the increasing value placed on education by women. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for institutions aiming to develop strategies that enhance student recruitment and retention across all age groups and genders.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
29 in 2025 · 0.7% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Minnesota State Community and Technical College
The data from Minnesota State Community and Technical College reveals a significant trend in the enrollment of international students over the years. Starting from just 2 international students in 2005, the numbers have seen a remarkable increase, peaking at 51 students in 2018. This growth reflects broader national trends where community colleges have become attractive options for international students seeking affordable education in the United States.
The percentage of international students has also shown a notable rise, climbing from a mere 0.04% in 2005 to a high of 0.79% in both 2016 and 2018. This increase indicates a growing recognition of the value that international students bring to campus diversity and cultural exchange. However, it's worth noting that the enrollment numbers dipped in the years following 2019, likely influenced by the global pandemic and its impact on international travel and education.
Moreover, the fluctuating numbers in recent years, with the percentage stabilizing around 0.32% from 2020 to 2023, suggest that while the college has been able to maintain a presence of international students, it may face challenges in attracting more due to various factors such as visa regulations, geopolitical issues, and competition from other institutions.
In conclusion, Minnesota State Community and Technical College has demonstrated an evolving landscape in its international student enrollment, reflecting national trends and external challenges. Continued efforts to enhance recruitment strategies and support services will be essential for sustaining and increasing this vital component of the student body.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$14,728
- Undergraduate tuition
- $5,908
- Room and board
- $8,820
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 11% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 84%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$57.0M
Expenses$56.0M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
| NJCAA Division III | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 53 | - |
| Basketball | 16 | 5 |
| Baseball | 15 | - |
| Softball | - | 11 |
| Golf | 7 | - |
| Volleyball | - | 7 |
| NJCAA Division III | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 54 | - |
| Basketball | 15 | 12 |
| Baseball | 16 | - |
| Softball | - | 10 |
| Volleyball | - | 10 |
| Golf | 7 | 1 |
| NJCAA Division III | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 54 | - |
| Basketball | 15 | 13 |
| Baseball | 16 | - |
| Softball | - | 11 |
| Volleyball | - | 11 |
| Golf | 6 | 2 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
North Dakota State University-Main CampusFargo · 53.5 mi
U.S. News #236
-
St. John's University (MN)Collegeville · 95.4 mi
Liberal Arts #74
-
College of St. BenedictSaint Joseph · 99.1 mi
Liberal Arts #68
-
University of North DakotaGrand Forks · 121.7 mi
U.S. News #227
-
South Dakota State UniversityBrookings · 140.2 mi
U.S. News #250
-
Bethel UniversitySaint Paul · 165.3 mi
U.S. News #236
-
University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis · 165.5 mi
U.S. News #59
-
University of St Thomas (MN)Saint Paul · 168.5 mi
U.S. News #156
-
Macalester CollegeSaint Paul · 169.5 mi
Liberal Arts #28
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Minnesota State Community and Technical College:
-
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Ranked 53 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is well-known for its research programs and vibrant campus life.
-
Carleton College - A top-ranked liberal arts college, Carleton is known for its rigorous academics and exceptional faculty, securing the 9th position in the 2024 rankings.
-
Macalester College - This liberal arts college ranks 27th and is celebrated for its diverse community and commitment to internationalism and social justice.
-
Saint John's University - With a ranking of 82, this institution offers a unique blend of academic rigor and a close-knit community, known for its beautiful campus and rich traditions.
-
College of Saint Benedict - Partnered with Saint John's University, this women's liberal arts college ranks 73rd and focuses on empowering women through education.
These institutions offer a variety of educational opportunities and contribute to a robust academic environment in the region.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Trends at Minnesota State Community and Technical College
The crime data from Minnesota State Community and Technical College over the years shows a notable decline in the average number of incidents per 1,000 students. In 2013, the crime rate was 3.54, but by 2020, it had dropped to zero, indicating a significant improvement in campus safety. This trend is encouraging, as it reflects the effectiveness of safety measures and community engagement initiatives that the college may have implemented over the years.
Interestingly, the data suggests a fluctuation in reported incidents, particularly in crimes such as gun-related arrests and drug-related offenses. For instance, gun-related arrests were recorded in various years, but the overall trend is downwards, culminating in a low rate of 1.17 in 2023. This decrease could be attributed to increased awareness and proactive measures taken by the college and local law enforcement agencies.
However, it is essential to remain vigilant as the recent uptick in incidents in 2022 and 2023, though relatively low, highlights that challenges persist. The presence of crimes such as domestic violence and sexual assault emphasizes the need for ongoing education and support services for students.
In conclusion, while the overall trend is positive with a significant reduction in crime rates, the college should continue to prioritize safety measures and support mechanisms to maintain a safe environment for all students. Continuous monitoring and community involvement will be crucial in sustaining this progress. For further understanding of crime rates calculation, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.