Central Lakes College-Brainerd vs. South Central College

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Lakes College Brainerd in Brainerd, MN with South Central College in North Mankato, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Lakes College Brainerd is larger than South Central College based on total student enrollment (4,981 students vs. 2,731 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Lakes College Brainerd is located in Brainerd, MN (Remote Town setting); South Central College is in North Mankato, MN (Remote Town setting).
• Central Lakes College Brainerd is a public, non-profit 2-year institution. South Central College is a public, non-profit 2-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Lakes College Brainerd 20:1; South Central College 16:1.

Central Lakes College-Brainerd vs. South Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central Lakes College-Brainerd or South Central College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at South Central College than Central Lakes College-Brainerd ($9,300 vs. $13,691).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Central College are 21.8% lower than at Central Lakes College Brainerd ($7,400 vs. $9,459).
• Central Lakes College Brainerd is 1.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Central College (about $103 more per year; $6,249.00 vs. $6,146.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.7% higher at Central Lakes College-Brainerd than at South Central College (about $103 more per year; $6,249.00 vs. $6,146.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central Lakes College Brainerd than at South Central College (77% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by South Central College students is 10% larger than aid received by Central Lakes College Brainerd students ($6,137 vs. $5,579).

Central Lakes College-Brainerd vs. South Central College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central Lakes College-Brainerd or South Central College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between South Central College and Central Lakes College-Brainerd.

• Both colleges report an open admissions policy; selectivity can still vary by program or major.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central Lakes College-Brainerd - Open admission; South Central College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: South Central College Aug 1, 2027.

Central Lakes College-Brainerd vs. South Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central Lakes College-Brainerd and South Central College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from South Central College earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Central Lakes College-Brainerd graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,200 vs. $35,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Lakes College Brainerd graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than South Central College graduates ($10,500 vs. $13,000).
• Among borrowers, Central Lakes College-Brainerd graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Central College graduates ($108 vs. $134).
• More South Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central Lakes College-Brainerd students, three years after graduation. (52% vs. 47%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.