Established on July 1, 1995 by the merger of Brainerd Community College and Brainerd Staples Technical College; Central Lakes College or CLC is a two year community and technical college located in Brainerd, Minnesota. It also operates a campus in Staples, Minnesota. CLC is one of the 32 Minnesota State Colleges and Universities providing outstanding, affordable education in over 45 communities across the state.
| Overall Score (about) | 57.1 |
| Total Cost On-Campus Attendance | $6,493 |
| Admission Success rate | N/A |
| Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty | 21 : 1 |
| Retention (full-time / part-time) | 57% / 43% |
| Enrollment Total (all students) | 4,029 |
Academic tracks include both liberal arts and science programs. Students can earn the college also offers diploma and certificate programs in diverse areas of study including business, manufacturing, computer, media communication, environmental, health and human services. Some of the career programs include Accounting A.A.S., Applied Engineering Technology A.A.S., Accounting Diploma, Engineering A.S., and Administrative Assistant AAS.
Additionally, there are a variety of specialized management programs including Current Issues in Farm Business Management Certificate, Farm Business Management Diploma, Essentials of Farm Business Management Certificate, Applications in Farm Business Management Certificate, Advanced Farm Business Management Certificate, Agricultural Commodities Marketing Certificate, Computerizing Small Business Diploma, Advanced Systems in Computerizing Small Business Certificate, Applications in Computerizing Small Business Certificate, Small Business Management Diploma, and Advanced Small Business Management Certificate.
The online division aims to defy the geographical barriers and provide quality education to students that are unable to attend a traditional college. Students can earn an online degree without having to visit the campus. Some of the popular online programs are Emerging Digital Technologies Certificate, Enology A.A.S., Enology Diploma, Viticulture A.A.S., Automation Technologies Certificate, and the Welding Technology Certificate.
Students seeking admission must send the online application form along with required transcripts. Getting a transfer to the college is fairly easy. Applicants must submit their official transcripts from previously attended institutes. International students are welcome, but students from non-English speaking countries must provide proof of their proficiency in the language.
The financial aid office offers several aid programs to help students meet their educational expenses.All students seeking financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Scholarships are the gifts that do not require any repayment. Students may also be eligible for loans, however this type of financial aid must be returned with interest. Some of the different types of loans available to students are the Federal Direct PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Student); Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans; Perkins Loan, and the Federal Family Education Loan.
Students can also opt for work study programs that enable them to take up part time jobs to pay for their own college education. Apart from helping them earn money to be financially independent, this type of financial aid program also helps students gain work experience in their field of interest.
Students are encouraged to participate in the diverse on-campus clubs and organizations based on their interests. Some of the popular clubs are Spanish Club, Diversity Leadership Council (DLC), Psychology Club, Law Enforcement Club, Equality Coalition, Natural Resources Club, International Club, Dental Assistants Club, Accounting Club, AD Nursing Club, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Brainerd PN Nursing Club, Creative Imaging Association, Farm Business Management, and Machine Trade Club. The Student Senate is the voice of the student body. It provides leadership opportunities for personality development; and builds the community through activities, programs, and student organizations.
The Theatre Department is an exciting part of the college community. The institute boasts six productions during the academic year as well as three to four additional summer shows held at the theatre. This presents an unmatched opportunity for theatre study and theatre experience. Students may also qualify to join Delta Psi Omega, the national theater honor society.
Student musicians are encouraged to participate in the community band, jazz band, choir, brass ensemble, and private lessons. Nationally acclaimed guest artists such as the singing star William Warfield have participated in the music program, which is recognized for its high professional standards in both teaching and performing.
Westbank Journal is the award-winning newspaper run by and for the students. The monthly publication of the newspaper lies in the hands of the student editorial staff.
The athletic department sponsors men’s and women’s teams in diverse sports such as football, volleyball, baseball, basketball, fast pitch softball, and golf. Though students from both campuses are encouraged to participate, the practices are mostly conducted on the Brainerd campus. The institute aims to provide an exceptional experience to the student athletes. The sports teams are nicknamed the Raiders. The college is a member of the Minnesota Community College Conference (MCCC) and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). All Raider teams except football qualify to compete for a state, regional, and national championship.
The Intramural Sports Program provides students with a variety of organized activities ranging from competitive to non-competitive and individual sports. Students, faculty and staff can participate in the sports which include co-ed football, co-ed bowling, co-ed volleyball, co-ed softball men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and golf. Besides club sports, the athletic department also provides non-organized recreational activities such as weight lifting.
The College in the Schools Program (CIS) is a partnership program with the local high schools. It provides high schools an opportunity to reinforce their academic course offerings, while providing the students a jumpstart on earning college credit. Upon the high school graduation, students who have participated in the CIS program make an easy transition to a college setting.
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