For many people, community colleges offer a great transition from high school to a higher education college or university. Whether money problems, work schedules or personal responsibilities are keeping someone from studying, community colleges are great and offer flexible schedules and relatively inexpensive classes. Minnesota has many community colleges that prepare students to go to a four-year school or directly to a job in their field of study.
Riverland Community College
Riverland Community College is an accredited two-year school with three locations in southeast Minnesota. The main campus is in Austin, with satellite campuses in Albert Lea and Owatonna. Together, the college offers more than 50 programs of study that lead to associate degrees, diplomas and certificates. Some fields of study are fine arts, nursing, business, computer technology and massage therapy. Partnerships with Minnesota universities and colleges will help students transfer to a four-year university in Minnesota if they choose to go for a bachelor's degree. The community college also has ties to many companies in the area and has a high job placement rate for graduates. Students attending the college can join one of a number of clubs, enjoy an on-campus art gallery or join one of the school's sports teams such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball and golf.
Austin Campus
1900 8th Ave. NW
Austin, MN 55912
(800) 247-5039
riverland.edu
Minnesota West Community College
On Jan. 1, 1997, Worthington Community College and Southwestern Technical College merged to form the Minnesota West Community College. It is now spread out among five campuses in Canby, Granite Falls, Jackson, Pipestory, and Worthington, in addition to three learning centers. The college prepares students to transfer to four-year school or go directly into the workforce. Graduates have been successful in the region, finding employment in northwest Iowa, South Dakota and beyond. There are more than 60 disciplines to study, resulting in associate degrees, Diplomas and certificates in liberal arts and a variety of technical disciplines. Basketball, softball, golf, football and wrestling are some of the team sports offered at the college, and the students and faculty have also put together a variety of clubs to enhance student life. Those interested in online and distance learning should note that Minnesota West Community College is the state leader in that field. In addition, the college is the state leader in alternative energy initiatives and programming and is the recipient of the Recognition of Excellency award given out by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Worthington Campus
1450 Collegeway
Worthington, MN 56187
(800) 657-5803
mnwest.edu
Minneapolis Community College
Those looking for an urban community college experience should consider checking out Minneapolis Community College. The campus covers 21.6 acres of land in downtown Minneapolis and enrolls approximately 13,000 students every year. With 42 career and technical programs mixed with 39 liberal arts degrees, there is something to study for people with all interests. Out of these, the most popular degrees are nursing, law enforcement, liberal arts and home health aide. A number of continuing education and professional training programs are available to those already part of the job force. Various clubs, artistic organizations such as a theater troupe and a choir, and men's and women's basketball teams help to round out student life.
Minneapolis Community College
1501 Hennepin Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 659-6825
mnscu.edu
Tags: Community College, liberal arts, Minneapolis Community, Minneapolis Community College, Minnesota West, Minnesota West Community, West Community
