Community colleges play an important role in making higher education affordable and accessible. They are two-year institutions that offer associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in a wide range of fields, from liberal arts and business to healthcare and technical trades. Most students use them as a stepping stone: either to build job-ready skills for immediate employment or to transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Community colleges also tend to have smaller class sizes, flexible schedules, and lower tuition costs, making them perfect for recent high school graduates, working adults, or anyone looking to restart their education journey.
Minnesota is one of the states that takes community college education seriously. The state is home to some of the best community and technical colleges in the country, known for their strong academic programs, career-focused training, and seamless university transfer pathways. Whether you’re interested in business, nursing, information technology, or skilled trades, Minnesota’s community colleges provide quality education that’s both affordable and practical.
After reviewing multiple rankings and student feedback, we’ve compiled the Top 10 Best Community Colleges in Minnesota, schools that combine academic excellence, affordability, and real-world career outcomes.
Best Community Colleges in Minnesota
1. Normandale Community College
Normandale is the largest community college in Minnesota and is known for being a strong transfer option. It offers over 70 different degrees in areas like arts, business, STEM, healthcare & wellness, and social and behavioral sciences.
Normandale is one of the few two-year colleges in the state with accredited programs in art, music, and theater. It also has rare programs like a Vacuum and Thin Film Technology AAS. Popular associate degrees include Liberal Arts & Sciences, Business/Commerce, Nursing, Computer Science, and Pre-engineering.
It also has strong support with student services, financial aid, evening/weekend classes, and plenty of courses that transfer to four-year universities.
2. Minneapolis Community & Technical College (Minneapolis College)
Minneapolis College (formerly Minneapolis Community & Technical College) is a big urban community college in downtown Minneapolis. It offers 100+ associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Students can choose between liberal arts, technical, or career-focused paths.
The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The student body is very diverse, with nearly 70% students from underrepresented or minority backgrounds. Many students receive financial aid.
The school has flexible scheduling (evening, weekend, online), strong transfer pathways to four-year schools, and a student-to-faculty ratio that helps students get more personal attention.
3. Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State)
M State has multiple campuses (Moorhead, Fergus Falls, Detroit Lakes, Wadena) and offers both technical and liberal arts programs. It’s accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Students can get Associate of Arts, Science, Fine Arts, and Applied Science degrees.
Its largest programs include nursing, business, computers, and radiologic technology. Unique programs include things like electrical line worker and equine science. Classes are offered on campus and online, so there’s flexibility.
The school is also known for low tuition and good career-training programs, so students can either transfer to a four-year school or get job-ready skills.
4. Saint Paul College
Saint Paul College is an urban community and technical college in Saint Paul. It’s accredited and offers a variety of associate degrees, certificates, and strong transfer pathways to four-year schools. With over 11,000 students, it has a large, diverse student body.
It offers flexible learning options (part-time, full-time, online) and is known for hands-on technical training in healthcare, business, and tech-related fields. Many students use it to get a career-ready credential or to complete the first two years before transferring to finish a bachelor’s degree.
5. Riverland Community College
Riverland offers a mix of programs: liberal arts & sciences, career/technical education, diplomas, and certificates. They have an Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Associate of Arts, and Associate of Science degrees. One standout is their Commercial Carpentry diploma, where students use real tools and get hands-on experience for work in construction.
Their Applied Technology program is strong, giving students technical skills that match local job demand. The college is flexible, offering online courses and transfer pathways for students aiming for four-year schools.
6. Anoka-Ramsey Community College
Anoka-Ramsey is a two-campus school (Cambridge and Coon Rapids) offering certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees. It’s committed to accessibility, affordability, and helping students transfer to four-year schools.
One thing people like: its course offerings are broad, from liberal arts to technical trades, and it works closely with community partners so the skills taught match what employers want. Also, its rates of completing degrees or transferring are growing, showing the college is supporting students well.
7. Century College
Century College, located in White Bear Lake, is one of Minnesota’s largest community colleges and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It offers more than 150 programs and degrees, including strong options in health sciences, business, and computer technology.
The school’s Liberal Arts and Sciences A.A. degree is a top choice for students who plan to transfer to universities. Century also provides career-ready programs like cybersecurity, nursing, and automotive service. Its student support system, from tutoring to career guidance, makes it one of the most student-friendly colleges in the state.
8. North Hennepin Community College (NHCC)
NHCC, located in Brooklyn Park, offers a wide range of associate degrees and certificates in areas like computer science, nursing, accounting, and business. It’s accredited and well-known for its transfer pathways to Minnesota State universities and the University of Minnesota.
NHCC’s computer and business programs are especially strong, preparing students for both immediate employment and further studies. The college’s focus on diversity, small class sizes, and affordable tuition makes it ideal for students looking for personalized and practical education in a supportive environment.
9. Ridgewater College
With campuses in Willmar and Hutchinson, Ridgewater College is accredited and known for hands-on, career-oriented programs. It offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in over 100 areas, including nursing, agriculture, welding, and business.
Ridgewater stands out for its technical and trade programs, which are closely aligned with local industry needs. Students appreciate its smaller classes, modern labs, and flexible scheduling (including online options).
10. South Central College
South Central College (with campuses in North Mankato and Faribault) combines technical training with academic learning. It offers associate degrees and certificates in programs like mechatronics, health sciences, information technology, and business.
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, SCC is known for its industry partnerships that help students get internships and job placements quickly. The college offers small class sizes, flexible online options, and affordable tuition.
What Certificate or Degree Do Community College Graduates Earn?
Community colleges mainly offer associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates, depending on the length and focus of the program. Most students graduate with one of the following:-
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Associate of Arts (A.A.): Focuses on liberal arts and general education courses. It’s ideal for students who plan to transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree.
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Associate of Science (A.S.): Includes general education and major-specific courses like business, health sciences, or information technology.
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Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.): Designed for students who want to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. It’s more career-focused, offering hands-on training in areas like nursing, mechanics, and computer systems.
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Certificates and Diplomas: Shorter programs that focus on specific job skills or technical training, often completed in a year or less.
Employment Prospects for Community College Graduates in Minnesota
Graduating from a community college in Minnesota can open doors to plenty of job opportunities. Many of the state’s community colleges design their programs in partnership with local industries, meaning students are learning exactly what employers need.
According to data from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), the state continues to experience strong demand for workers in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, and skilled trades, all areas where community college graduates thrive.
On average, associate degree holders in Minnesota earn between $45,000 and $60,000 per year, depending on their field and experience level. For example, graduates in nursing, HVAC technology, or IT support often find jobs within months of finishing school, while those in liberal arts typically transfer to universities to continue their education.
Community college graduates are also valued for their hands-on skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability, qualities that make them competitive in today’s workforce.
Conclusion
Minnesota’s community colleges stand out not just for their affordability, but for how well they prepare students for real opportunities, whether that means stepping straight into the workforce or transferring to a university to keep moving forward.
Each school on this list offers something unique, but they all share one thing: a strong commitment to helping students succeed. If you’re ready to take that next step toward your goals, any of these colleges is a solid place to start.