Your Future Starts Here: Discover Central Lakes College

Dr. Elwin Harber DDS 25 Jun 2025

Embarking on an educational journey is a pivotal moment, and for many in Minnesota, Central Lakes College stands out as a beacon of opportunity. This public community and technical college, deeply rooted in the heart of Minnesota, offers a comprehensive suite of academic programs, innovative workforce solutions, and dedicated student services designed to propel individuals toward their career and life aspirations. With a commitment to affordability and excellence, CLC provides a vital pathway to higher education and professional success, making it an indispensable resource for both traditional and non-traditional learners.

Whether you're a high school student exploring concurrent enrollment, a recent graduate seeking a direct path to a career, or an adult learner looking to upskill or transfer, Central Lakes College offers a supportive and dynamic environment. Its dual campuses in Brainerd and Staples serve as hubs for learning, innovation, and community engagement, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where every student can thrive.

What is Central Lakes College?
A Legacy of Learning: The Merger Story
Academic Excellence: Programs and Pathways
- Liberal Arts and Transfer Options
- Career and Technical Training
Navigating Your Studies: Course Outlines and D2L Brightspace
Affordability and Value: Investing in Your Future
Admissions and Student Support: Your Journey Begins
- Applying to CLC
- Dedicated Student Services
Commitment to Community and Accessibility
Campus Life and Locations

What is Central Lakes College?

Central Lakes College, often referred to as CLC, is a distinguished public community and technical college situated in Minnesota. It proudly serves as a cornerstone of education within the state, offering a robust array of academic programs, practical workforce solutions, and comprehensive student services. With its primary campuses located in Brainerd and Staples, CLC is strategically positioned to provide accessible higher education to a wide demographic across central Minnesota. As an integral part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, Central Lakes College upholds a commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable education that directly contributes to individual accomplishment and community prosperity.

The college's mission extends beyond mere academic instruction; it is deeply invested in fostering an environment where students can achieve their educational and career goals. This is evident in its diverse program offerings, which span everything from liberal arts and sciences to highly specialized technical fields. Whether a student is aiming for a four-year degree through transfer pathways or seeking immediate entry into the workforce with a diploma or certificate, Central Lakes College provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for success.

A Legacy of Learning: The Merger Story

The rich history of Central Lakes College is a testament to its enduring commitment to education and adaptation. The institution as we know it today was not built overnight but rather formed through the strategic merger of three distinct and respected educational entities. This amalgamation brought together the strengths and legacies of:

Brainerd Community College (formerly Brainerd Junior College): A long-standing institution known for its strong liberal arts foundation and transfer programs.
Brainerd Technical College (formerly Brainerd Technical Institute): A leader in providing hands-on, career-focused technical training.
Staples Technical College (formerly Staples Technical Institute): Another key player in technical education, serving the needs of industries and students in its region.

This visionary merger created a more comprehensive and versatile institution, capable of offering an unparalleled breadth of educational opportunities under one umbrella. By combining academic excellence with technical proficiency, Central Lakes College was able to enhance its offerings, streamline resources, and provide a more holistic educational experience for students across Minnesota. This foundational history underscores CLC's unique position as a college that truly understands and delivers both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Academic Excellence: Programs and Pathways

Central Lakes College is renowned for its expansive and diverse range of academic programs, meticulously designed to meet the evolving needs of students and the workforce. With over 70 academic programs available, students at CLC are empowered to choose from a wide spectrum of liberal arts/transfer or career and technical courses and programs. This extensive selection ensures that individuals can effectively achieve their educational and career goals, whether they aim to transfer to a four-year university or enter directly into a specialized field.

The college offers various degrees, diplomas, certificates, and concurrent enrollment programs, catering to different educational aspirations and time commitments. These programs are meticulously structured to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience, preparing students for real-world challenges.

Liberal Arts and Transfer Options

For students aspiring to pursue a bachelor's degree, Central Lakes College provides robust liberal arts and sciences programs. These programs offer a solid academic foundation, allowing students to complete their general education requirements and introductory courses at a significantly lower cost than a four-year institution. CLC's transfer pathways are specifically designed to articulate seamlessly with universities within the Minnesota State system and beyond, ensuring that credits earned at CLC are readily accepted. This makes Central Lakes College an exceptionally smart and affordable starting point for a bachelor's degree.

Career and Technical Training

Beyond transfer programs, CLC excels in career and technical fields, offering practical, hands-on training that directly leads to employment. These programs are developed in close consultation with industry leaders, ensuring that the curriculum is current and relevant to the demands of today's job market. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees in a wide array of technical disciplines, including:

Automotive Technology
Nursing and Healthcare
Welding
Business and Accounting
Computer Information Systems
Cosmetology
And many more specialized trades.

The focus on practical skills and industry-standard equipment ensures that graduates from Central Lakes College are job-ready and highly sought after by employers.

Navigating Your Studies: Course Outlines and D2L Brightspace

To ensure clarity and accessibility for all students, Central Lakes College provides comprehensive resources for navigating academic programs. The college maintains detailed common course outlines, which are essential tools for students to understand the curriculum, learning objectives, and expectations for every course offered. Students can easily select course outlines to view detailed information on all courses offered at CLC, aiding in course selection and academic planning.

In today's digital learning landscape, technology plays a crucial role, and Central Lakes College leverages the D2L Brightspace platform to facilitate learning. D2L Brightspace is used in virtually all courses at Central Lakes College, serving as the primary platform for online and hybrid courses. This robust learning management system provides students with access to course materials, assignments, grades, and communication tools, ensuring a seamless and interactive learning experience whether on campus or remotely. The integration of D2L Brightspace underscores CLC's commitment to modern educational delivery and student success.

Affordability and Value: Investing in Your Future

One of the most compelling aspects of Central Lakes College is its unwavering commitment to making higher education affordable and accessible. CLC actively works to make college more affordable for its students, understanding that financial barriers can often deter aspiring learners. As part of Minnesota State, the college offers the lowest tuition and fees in the state, making it an exceptionally cost-effective option for pursuing higher education.

Central Lakes College doesn't just offer low tuition; it provides the highest value, most affordable path to an extraordinary education, individual accomplishment, and community prosperity in the state. This value proposition is critical for students and families looking to maximize their investment in education. By providing high-quality instruction and relevant programs at a fraction of the cost of many four-year institutions, CLC empowers students to achieve their academic and career goals without accumulating excessive debt. This focus on affordability is a cornerstone of Central Lakes College's mission to serve the community and foster economic growth.

Admissions and Student Support: Your Journey Begins

The journey to becoming a student at Central Lakes College is designed to be straightforward and supportive, with dedicated teams ready to assist at every step. The college emphasizes a clear admissions process and robust student services to ensure a smooth transition and continued success for all learners.

Applying to CLC

For prospective students, particularly new PSEO (Postsecondary Enrollment Options) students, submitting a CLC application is the first step. Detailed information on completing the CIS/PSEO application document is readily available to guide applicants through the process. Importantly, returning PSEO students and those who have previously enrolled in a CIS course through CLC do not need to submit a new application, streamlining the process for continuing learners. The college aims to simplify the application journey, ensuring that all students can easily access the educational opportunities available at Central Lakes College.

Dedicated Student Services

Beyond admissions, Central Lakes College prides itself on its comprehensive student support services. The Central Lakes College Records and Registration team members, for instance, strive to conduct themselves with integrity, fairness, honesty, and respect for others. They are committed to avoiding conflicts between personal interests and professional responsibilities, and to resolving perceived conflicts through full disclosure and independent review. This dedication ensures that student records and registration processes are handled with the utmost professionalism and care.

From academic advising to financial aid assistance, and from career counseling to accessibility services, Central Lakes College provides a nurturing environment where students feel supported throughout their academic careers. The college's commitment to individual student success is evident in every interaction and service provided.

Commitment to Community and Accessibility

Central Lakes College is not just an educational institution; it is a vital part of the wider community, deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. CLC is steadfastly committed to legal affirmative action, equal opportunity, and access, actively promoting diversity within its campus community. This commitment extends to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background or ability, have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the college's offerings.

A key aspect of this commitment is the college's proactive approach to accessibility. CLC will actively work with members of the public to provide feasible options for accessibility to campus events, ensuring that physical barriers do not prevent participation. This includes providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities and fostering a welcoming atmosphere for people from all walks of life. The college's dedication to diversity and inclusion enriches the learning environment, preparing students to thrive in a globalized and diverse world.

Campus Life and Locations

Central Lakes College operates across two main campuses in Minnesota: Brainerd and Staples. Each campus offers a unique atmosphere and specialized programs, yet both uphold the high standards of education and student support that define CLC. The Brainerd campus, located at 501 West College Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401 USA, serves as a central hub for many liberal arts and technical programs, while the Staples campus is particularly known for its strong technical and agricultural programs.

Life at Central Lakes College extends beyond the classroom. Students have access to a variety of resources and opportunities, from student organizations and clubs to athletic programs and community engagement initiatives. The college's official website serves as a comprehensive portal for exploring campus locations, staying updated on events and news, and accessing essential resources. Whether you're interested in a group visit (which can be requested via a dedicated form) or simply looking for contact information, the college ensures that information is readily available to connect with its vibrant campus community.

Conclusion

Central Lakes College stands as a testament to accessible, high-quality education in Minnesota. From its rich history forged through the merger of three pioneering institutions to its current status as a leading provider of over 70 academic programs, CLC consistently delivers on its promise of an extraordinary education. Its commitment to affordability, comprehensive student support, and a truly inclusive campus environment makes it an unparalleled choice for individuals seeking to achieve their educational and career aspirations.

Whether you are just beginning your academic journey, looking to enhance your skills, or seeking a direct path to a rewarding career, Central Lakes College offers the resources, expertise, and supportive community you need to succeed. We encourage you to explore the official website, browse the extensive list of academic programs, and discover how Central Lakes College can be the starting point for your future success. Your path to individual accomplishment and community prosperity truly begins here. What are you waiting for? Take the first step and explore the possibilities at CLC today!

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