Central Lakes College – Brainerd

501 West College Drive, Brainerd, MN

Central Lakes College at Brainerd (CLC) is the Brainerd branch of Minnesota based public institution Central Lakes College, with the other being located in Staples. Central Lakes College is technically a Liberal Arts school, but it offers a wide variety of programs for its students. CLC offers traditional associate's degrees as well as career technical programs and non-degree courses. CLC is designed as a two year college, with students also able to earn certificates in less than four years.

For those interested in jump starting their college career, CLC is an attractive choice. Tuition, as of the latest published date was listed at $4,589 with 4,447 students attending on open enrollment. After obtaining an associate's, most students are able to successfully transfer into a college in the Minnesota public school system.

Brainerd is a small town of 13,000 with most of the town's facilities and public activities revolve around the college. It's a very favorable environment for those looking to go to a small college town where they can focus on their academics without getting caught up in the distractions of a big city.

CLC also offers a rather accommodating program for international students, which provides them with support helping them integrate into campus life. International students provide diversity in CLC that most schools aren't able to maintain.

If you are looking for a two year college with a variety of program options to start your college career, CLC is a great choice. It's affordable, has diversity and doesn't have many outside distractions.