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Public, 2-year

South Central College

North Mankato, Minnesota · southcentral.edu

中文

Out-of-state tuition

$6,146

$13,546 with room and board

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

2,731

Student-faculty ratio 16:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

28.6%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 30.2%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

South Central University, known in Chinese as 中南大学, is a prestigious institution located in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. Established in 1978, it has grown into a comprehensive university that offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines, including engineering, medicine, business, and humanities. The university is renowned for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, boasting state-of-the-art facilities such as advanced laboratories, libraries, and study centers that support both academic and extracurricular activities. The campus environment is vibrant and dynamic, fostering a culture of collaboration and creativity among students and faculty alike.

One of the key features of South Central University is its diverse and accomplished faculty, many of whom are leading experts in their respective fields. This strong faculty-student interaction enhances the educational experience, allowing students to engage in meaningful research projects and internships. The university's commitment to holistic education is reflected in its motto, which emphasizes the development of both intellect and character. Additionally, the university prides itself on its athletic programs, promoting physical fitness and teamwork through various sports activities. The rich cultural life on campus, including art festivals, seminars, and international exchanges, provides students with opportunities to broaden their horizons and prepare for global citizenship. With a growing network of successful alumni, South Central University continues to be a beacon of academic excellence and innovation in China and beyond.

Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at South Central College

The data from South Central College reveals significant trends in tuition, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention. Over the years, tuition fees for in-state undergraduate students have steadily increased, rising from $5,370 in 2014 to $6,146 in 2023. This represents a notable increase of approximately 14.4%. Such a rise in tuition can impact accessibility for prospective students, which may explain the declining student enrollment numbers observed during the same period.

From 2014 to 2022, undergraduate enrollment decreased significantly, from 3,410 students to just 2,511 students. This decline of about 26.3% could be attributed to higher tuition costs combined with changing demographic trends and possibly increased competition from other institutions offering more affordable education options. Interestingly, despite the financial burden, there was a slight rebound in enrollment in 2023, with numbers rising to 2,602 students.

In terms of graduation rates, South Central College has shown a positive trend. The rate of on-time graduation for undergraduates improved from 17.9% in 2013 to 20.5% in 2023. This incremental increase indicates that while fewer students are enrolling, those who do are increasingly likely to complete their degrees within the expected timeframe. This improvement in graduation rates is encouraging and suggests that the college may have improved academic support services or retention strategies.

Retention rates have also fluctuated over the years, peaking at 64.1% in 2015 before dropping to 47.6% in 2022. However, retention showed signs of recovery in 2023, increasing to approximately 54.2%. This fluctuation in retention rates, coupled with the changing enrollment figures, emphasizes the need for ongoing evaluation of student support and engagement initiatives to foster a stable and supportive educational environment.

Overall, while South Central College faces challenges regarding tuition hikes and enrollment declines, the improvements in graduation and retention rates highlight potential strengths in student support and academic quality that could attract future students.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a small city
Nearest major city
Minneapolis, about 70 mi
Nearest international airport
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), about 60 mi
North Mankato, Minnesota
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. Ritu Raju (President)
Phone
5073897200
City
North Mankato, Minnesota
Address
1920 Lee Blvd, North Mankato, MN 56003-1920

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate35524 international (6.8%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
111
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
49
Automation Engineer Technology/Technician
25
Business/Commerce, General
25
Business Administration and Management, General
15
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
14
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician
13
Social Work
12
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians
10
Medical/Clinical Assistant
8

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from South Central College

The graduation data from South Central College for the year 2023 reveals significant trends worth noting. Firstly, the majority of the programs reported a total absence of graduates at the bachelor, master, and doctorate levels, indicating either a lack of enrollment or successful completion in these disciplines. This could reflect broader challenges in higher education, such as declining student interest in certain fields or potential barriers to accessing these programs.

Among the few programs with associate degree graduates, the highest numbers were seen in the fields of registered nursing and medical/clinical assistance, with 49 and 8 graduates respectively. This highlights a continued demand for healthcare-related professions, which is consistent with national labor market trends emphasizing the growing need for healthcare workers, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, the data indicates a modest presence of international students, with only one international graduate in fields such as automotive mechanics technology and computer numerically controlled machining. This raises questions about the college's appeal and support for international students, a demographic that can enhance educational diversity and bring additional resources to the institution.

In conclusion, the graduation data from South Central College underscores the pressing need for strategic initiatives to bolster enrollment and graduation rates, particularly in the areas of healthcare, while also addressing the lack of diversity and representation among international students. These findings should prompt a reflective evaluation of program offerings and support systems within the college.

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

Liberal arts has 111 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$36,988
Health professionshas 62 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Medical/Clinical Assistant.-
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).$72,067
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician.$37,869
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$70,513
Businesshas 53 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business/Commerce, General.-
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Accounting.-
Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General.-
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.-
Engineering technologieshas 35 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians.-
Automation Engineer Technology/Technician.$64,625
Mechanic and repair has 19 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician.-
Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology/Technician.-
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.-
Computer and information sciencehas 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Information Technology.-
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.-
Public administrationhas 16 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Human Services, General.-
Social Work.-
Agricultural has 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations.-
Agricultural Mechanics and Equipment/Machine Technology/Technician.-
Agricultural Production Operations, General.-
Human science has 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Child Care Provider/Assistant.-
Culinary has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Culinary Arts/Chef Training.-
Communications technologies has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Graphic Communications, General.$33,606
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects.$33,606
Precision production has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist.$47,537
Biologyhas 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Educationhas 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.-
Architecture has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology.-

Students

2,731 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 39:61 · Freshman retention 59.0%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (2,731)

White
1,822 · 66.7%
Hispanic
376 · 13.8%
Black
245 · 9.0%
International
90 · 3.3%
Unknown
74 · 2.7%
Two or more races
73 · 2.7%
Asian
41 · 1.5%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at South Central College in 2023

The student body at South Central College in 2023 showcases a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate students. Notably, the incoming first-year students represent a significant portion, with 419 individuals, of which 55.1% are male and 44.9% are female. This gender distribution indicates a healthy mix, although slightly favoring males.

The returning undergraduate students (1161) display a contrasting gender ratio, with only 39.4% male and a majority of 60.6% female. This shift may reflect broader trends in higher education, where female students increasingly outnumber their male counterparts in many institutions. Similarly, the transfer students (357) also exhibit a female majority, with 58.3% identifying as female.

The overall demographic data also hints at a diverse ethnic composition among students, especially among the first-year students, where White students constitute a significant proportion. However, the specifics about other ethnicities and the total number of graduate students remain incomplete, as the figures for returning students and graduate populations are not fully disclosed.

The data reveals critical insights into gender dynamics and racial diversity within the college. As institutions strive for inclusivity, understanding these demographics aids in shaping policies and support systems that cater to all students. This analysis also underscores the importance of fostering an environment that acknowledges and supports the varied backgrounds of the student population, which can enhance the learning experience for everyone involved.

Analysis of Student Age Distribution at South Central College

The age distribution data from South Central College reveals significant trends in the demographics of students enrolled in 2023. Notably, the largest age groups among undergraduate students are those under 18 and between 18-19, representing 39.5% and 36.6% of the total male and female student populations, respectively. This trend suggests that the institution attracts a large number of traditional college-age students, which aligns with national statistics indicating that most undergraduate students are typically in their late teens to early twenties.

Interestingly, there are no graduate male students reported in the data, which could indicate either a lack of graduate programs for males or a potential area for growth in attracting male graduate students. The data also shows a clear gender disparity, especially in the under 18 category, where female students outnumber male students by nearly 1.6 times. This trend continues through other age categories, suggesting a consistent enrollment of female students across various age groups.

As we look at older age groups (30 and above), the number of students decreases significantly. For instance, only 73 males and 102 females are aged 30-34, showing a marked decline in enrollment as age increases. This pattern reflects broader trends in higher education, where older adults often face challenges balancing education with career and family responsibilities.

Overall, the data suggests that South Central College is predominantly serving a younger demographic, particularly traditional students, while also highlighting the need for strategies to enhance graduate enrollment, especially among male students. This analysis can inform future recruitment efforts and program development to create a more balanced and diverse student body.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates3.3%

90 in 2025 · 0.7% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.7%2017: 0.5%2018: 0.2%2019: 1.0%2020: 1.5%2021: 1.8%2022: 2.2%2023: 2.6%2024: 2.6%2025: 3.3%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at South Central College

The data regarding international students at South Central College reveals a significant trend in enrollment over the years. Starting from just two international undergraduates in 2004, the number has seen a remarkable increase, reaching 67 by 2023. This growth reflects a broader trend seen in many educational institutions across the United States, where the demand for international education continues to rise.

The percentage of international undergraduate students has also shown a notable upward trajectory. For instance, the proportion rose from a mere 0.06% in 2004 to 2.57% in 2023. Such increases could be attributed to various factors, including the college's enhanced global outreach programs, a more diverse curriculum, and a welcoming environment for foreign students. This aligns with national trends where higher education institutions are increasingly recognizing the value of diversity and the perspectives that international students bring to campus life.

However, it is essential to consider the challenges that come with this growth. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted international travel and student mobility, which may have lasting effects on enrollment numbers in the coming years. Additionally, geopolitical tensions and visa regulations could pose further obstacles for prospective international students.

Overall, the data suggests that South Central College is becoming an increasingly attractive choice for international students, reflecting a positive trend that could contribute to the college's diversity and academic richness. Continued efforts to support these students will be crucial in maintaining and enhancing this growth in the future.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$13,546

Undergraduate tuition
$6,146
Room and board
$7,400
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 14% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 14%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$40.1M

Government grants and contracts
$28.5M71.1%
Tuition and fees
$9.2M22.9%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.2M3.0%
Gifts and private grants
$455K1.1%
Investment return
$305K0.8%
Sales and services of educational activities
$112K0.3%
Other
$296K0.7%

Expenses$38.7M

Instruction
$19.1M49.3%
Student services
$6.7M17.4%
Institutional support
$6.0M15.4%
Academic support
$4.6M11.9%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.5M4.0%
Scholarships
$1.5M3.9%
Public service
$64K0.2%
Other
-$788K-2.0%

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.

All faculty
$83,861peers $68,588
Instructor
$83,861peers $61,593

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable colleges and universities near South Central College:

  1. Carleton College - Ranked 9th in the 2024 US News rankings, Carleton College is a prestigious liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus life.

  2. St Olaf College - With a rank of 51, St Olaf College offers a strong liberal arts education and is well-regarded for its commitment to music and the arts.

  3. Gustavus Adolphus College - Ranked 67th, this liberal arts college emphasizes a holistic education and is dedicated to fostering a diverse learning environment.

  4. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - As a major public research university ranked 53rd, it offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.

  5. Macalester College - Known for its internationalism and social justice focus, Macalester College is ranked 27th among liberal arts colleges.

  6. Drake University - With a rank of 178, Drake University provides a strong professional education alongside liberal arts studies, particularly in law and business.

These institutions contribute to a rich educational landscape in the region, each offering unique programs and opportunities for students.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
2

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Crime Trends at South Central College

The crime statistics at South Central College reveal a fluctuating trend in criminal activities over the years. From 2013 to 2023, the average number of offenses per 1,000 students indicates a generally low incidence of crime, with the most significant spike occurring in 2022, where the rate reached 0.80. This is notable when considering that prior years, particularly from 2014 to 2019, recorded zero incidents, suggesting a period of relative safety for the campus community.

The types of crimes reported include serious offenses such as armed arrests and drug-related incidents, albeit in very small numbers. For instance, in 2017 and 2018, there was one armed arrest each year, which, while alarming, represents a small fraction of the total student population. The absence of reported crimes in several years may indicate effective preventive measures or possibly underreporting, a common concern among educational institutions.

The increase in reported incidents in 2022 might reflect either an actual rise in crime or improved reporting practices, which could contribute to a more accurate portrayal of campus safety. This trend must be monitored closely, as safety is a vital concern for students and faculty alike.

Overall, while the crime rates remain low, the sporadic nature of incidents suggests that vigilance and ongoing preventive strategies are essential. Community awareness and robust reporting mechanisms can help maintain a safe educational environment. For further insights into crime rate calculations, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

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.