Paying for College

Central Lakes College – A Smart Investment
Considering the greater potential for lifelong earnings and improved quality of life, an investment in an education from Central Lakes College is a smart investment. The cost of an education at Central Lakes College is a great value and financial aid only makes CLC more affordable. Tuition at Central Lakes College is lower than tuition at most other colleges, universities and trade schools because the state of Minnesota pays a portion (41%) of the cost of your education.

Financing Your Education
The CLC Financial Aid Office assists students in the process of obtaining funds. The Financial Aid Office has developed a comprehensive financial aid program based on federal, state, institutional and private resources to help cover the cost of education. More than 70 percent of CLC students receive some form of financial assistance. Therefore, no prospective student should hesitate to apply for admission because of financial circumstance. The CLC Financial Aid staff encourages all students to apply for financial aid. Depending on your family income and situation, you may be able to get financial aid to pay for a big part – or even all – of your college costs.

Workforce Development Scholarships

Applications are due by June 1, 2024

Workforce Development Scholarship Application 2024-25

The Minnesota Legislature has provided funding for $2,500 scholarships as an incentive for new students to enter high growth, high demand occupations in the areas of agriculture, education, healthcare, public safety, information technology, manufacturing, law enforcement and transportation.

CLC is offering one-year $2,500 scholarships to students who have been accepted into these program areas.

To be eligible, students must be a MN resident, accepted into one of the following programs with a minimum of 9 credits and have completed the FAFSA.

• AS Health Sciences
• Agricultural Studies
• Automotive Technology
• CNC Technologies
• Computer Technology
• Criminal Justice
• Dental Assisting
• Diesel Technology
• Early Childhood Education
• Emergency Medical Response
• Exercise Science
• Greenhouse Production
• Healthcare Administration
• Heavy Equipment Operations
• Horticulture
• Landscape Technology
• Machine Operations
• Marine and Power Sports
• Meat Cutting and Butchery
• Mechatronics
• Nursing
• Natural Resources
• Practical Nursing
• Robotics
• Welding and Fabrication

Scholarships
The Central Lakes College Foundation awards more than $350,000 in student scholarships annually. It is important to apply for admission to the college as early as possible to meet the scholarship application deadlines.

Veteran’s Request to Certify (pdf)
If the believe you are eligible to receive VA Education Benefits, please visit the Veterans Center website for more information.

Payment Options
The CLC Business Office offers many convenient options for payment of tuition including cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, cashier check or money orders. To help students meet their educational expenses, Central Lakes College is proud to offer Nelnet as a convenient budget plan. This is not a loan program. There is no debt, there are no interest or finance charges assessed and there is no credit check. This payment option is not applicable if the class is three (3) weeks or less in length.