Central Lakes College, Brainerd and Staples is one of 32 Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (www.mnscu.edu) offering excellent, affordable education in 46 communities across the state. We are a comprehensive community and technical college serving about 4,000 students per year.

With a knowledgeable, caring faculty and modern, results-oriented programs in comfortable facilities, CLC is the college of choice for seekers of success. Our roots are deep in a tradition dating to 1938 in Brainerd and 1950 in Staples. Communities across central Minnesota are filled with our graduates.

While maintaining quality in degrees (Associate in Arts, Associate in Applied Science, Associate in Science), CLC responds to student need by scheduling relevant courses at convenient times and locations. Access is crucial to provide the service students deserve.

The college offers more than 70 degrees and career education programs recognized through industry standards. The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, following a site team evaluation in 2002, accredited CLC for 10 more years.

CLC has cooperative programs linked with colleges and universities such as the College of St. Scholastica, Southwest Minnesota State University, the University of North Dakota, Minnesota State University, Mankato, and Bemidji State University. More articulation agreements are in progress as options of credits that transfer to bachelor’s degrees and beyond.

The educational package at CLC includes online offerings, interactive TV with school districts, and innovations for students of all ages – from their teens to those who are making career changes.

Students tell us they liked us more after a personal visit, finding friendliness, financial aid, safe surroundings, and student activities such as music, drama, and athletics to be appealing features. If you agree that this is what college should be, come see for yourself.