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Most Popular Trade Schools in Minnesota

2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Minnesota

71 Schools Ranked
$46,088 Average Earnings
$29,828 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which trade school program is right for you. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country.

The Most Popular Trade Schools in Minnesota ranking is one of many tools that Trade College Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 71 schools in Minnesota to see which programs were the most popular for trade school students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

Hennepin Technical College

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
1,738 Total Awards
$42,797 Average Earnings
$15,452 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Hennepin Technical College the most popular school in Minnesota for trade school students working on their degree. Hennepin Technical College is a public institution located in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,738 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $15,452 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Hennepin Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,797 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 29% were women.

Read full report on Hennepin Technical College

#2

Saint Paul College

Saint Paul, Minnesota
1,328 Total Awards
$36,206 Average Earnings
$15,827 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Saint Paul College. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Minnesota list. Located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,328 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Saint Paul College accumulate an average of $15,827 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Saint Paul College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,206 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

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#3

Anoka Technical College

Anoka, Minnesota
985 Total Awards
$39,893 Average Earnings
$16,129 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 71 schools in Minnesota that were part of this year’s ranking, Anoka Technical College landed the # 3 spot on the list. Located in Anoka, Minnesota, the small public school awarded 985 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Anoka Technical College accumulate an average of $16,129 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Anoka Technical College graduates make an average of $39,893 annually. Around 50% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Anoka Technical College Report

#4

Century College

White Bear Lake, Minnesota
2,113 Total Awards
$40,997 Average Earnings
$18,493 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Century College. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Minnesota list. Located in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, the medium-sized public school awarded 2,113 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Century College accumulate an average of $18,493 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Century College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,997 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Full Century College Report

690 Total Awards
$38,213 Average Earnings
$11,465 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 71 schools in Minnesota that were part of this year’s ranking, Minnesota West Community and Technical College landed the # 5 spot on the list. Minnesota West is located in Granite Falls, Minnesota and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 690 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,465 in student loans.After graduating from Minnesota West, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,213 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

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#6

Rasmussen University - Minnesota

St. Cloud, Minnesota
2,068 Total Awards
$41,281 Average Earnings
$22,566 Avg Student Debt

Rasmussen University - Minnesota ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Minnesota list. Rasmussen University - Minnesota is a small private for-profit school situated in St. Cloud, Minnesota. It awarded 2,068 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,566 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $168, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Rasmussen University - Minnesota graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,281 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 86% were women.

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1,009 Total Awards
$40,365 Average Earnings
$14,164 Avg Student Debt

St Cloud Technical and Community College landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. St Cloud Technical and Community College is located in Saint Cloud, Minnesota and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,009 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $14,164 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from St Cloud Technical and Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,365 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

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1,052 Total Awards
$39,038 Average Earnings
$15,646 Avg Student Debt

Minnesota State Community and Technical College landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,052 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $15,646 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, M State graduates make an average of $39,038 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

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#9

Dakota County Technical College

Rosemount, Minnesota
863 Total Awards
$46,125 Average Earnings
$13,189 Avg Student Debt

Dakota County Technical College ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Minnesota list. Dakota County Technical College is a small public school located in Rosemount, Minnesota that handed out 863 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $13,189 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from DCTC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,125 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 47% were women.

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#10

Northland Community and Technical College

Thief River Falls, Minnesota
810 Total Awards
$41,428 Average Earnings
$15,408 Avg Student Debt

Northland Community and Technical College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Minnesota ranking. Located in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, the small public school awarded 810 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,408 in student loans.After graduating from Northland Community and Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,428 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

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#11

St Catherine University

Saint Paul, Minnesota
1,399 Total Awards
$53,926 Average Earnings
$37,715 Avg Student Debt

St Catherine University landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 1,399 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from St. Kate’s accumulate an average of $37,715 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $312 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, St. Kate’s graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,926 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 94% were women.

Full St Catherine University Report

1,565 Total Awards
$42,845 Average Earnings
$19,249 Avg Student Debt

Minneapolis Community and Technical College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Minnesota ranking. Minneapolis Community and Technical College is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,565 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Minneapolis Community and Technical College accumulate an average of $19,249 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Minneapolis Community and Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,845 during the early years of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Minneapolis Community and Technical College Report

#13

Lake Superior College

Duluth, Minnesota
999 Total Awards
$37,585 Average Earnings
$15,613 Avg Student Debt

Lake Superior College landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Duluth, Minnesota, the small public school awarded 999 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $15,613 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, LSC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,585 during the early year of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

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#14

Minnesota State College Southeast

Winona, Minnesota
399 Total Awards
$39,491 Average Earnings
$13,869 Avg Student Debt

Minnesota State College Southeast landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Winona, Minnesota, the small public school awarded 399 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $13,869 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, MSC Southeast graduates make an average of $39,491 annually. Around 52% of those degree recipients were women.

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#15

Ridgewater College

Willmar, Minnesota
742 Total Awards
$38,961 Average Earnings
$14,214 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, Ridgewater College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. This small public school is located in Willmar, Minnesota, and it awarded 742 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,214 in student loans.After graduating from Ridgewater College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,961 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Full Ridgewater College Report

#16

Aveda Institute - Minneapolis

Minneapolis, Minnesota
325 Total Awards
$26,443 Average Earnings
$6,550 Avg Student Debt

Aveda Institute - Minneapolis ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Minnesota list. Aveda Institute - Minneapolis is a private for-profit institution located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 325 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Aveda Institute - Minneapolis accumulate an average of $6,550 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $131, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Aveda Institute - Minneapolis graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $26,443 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 94% were women.

Full Aveda Institute - Minneapolis Report

#17

Riverland Community College

Austin, Minnesota
644 Total Awards
$14,377 Avg Student Debt

Riverland Community College landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Riverland Community College is located in Austin, Minnesota and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 644 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $14,377 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Riverland Community College Report

662 Total Awards
$40,141 Average Earnings
$13,436 Avg Student Debt

Alexandria Technical & Community College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Minnesota ranking. Located in Alexandria, Minnesota, the small public school handed out 662 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from ATCC accumulate an average of $13,436 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, ATCC graduates make an average of $40,141 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 46% were women.

Read full report on Alexandria Technical & Community College

#19

Capella University

Minneapolis, Minnesota
14,847 Total Awards
$61,758 Average Earnings
$59,264 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Capella University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Capella University is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 14,847 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $59,264 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Capella University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $61,758 during the early year of their career. Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Capella University

500 Total Awards
$23,829 Average Earnings

Summit Academy Opportunities Industrialization Center came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Minnesota ranking. Summit Academy Opportunities Industrialization Center is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 500 degrees to qualified students.

During the early years of their career, Summit Academy Opportunities Industrialization Center graduates make an average of $23,829 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 30% were women.

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#21

Central Lakes College - Brainerd

Brainerd, Minnesota
856 Total Awards
$41,724 Average Earnings
$13,800 Avg Student Debt

Central Lakes College - Brainerd landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Central Lakes College is a public institution located in Brainerd, Minnesota. The school has a small population, and it awarded 856 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $13,800 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Central Lakes College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,724 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

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929 Total Awards
$41,604 Average Earnings
$17,278 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, Rochester Community and Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Rochester Community and Technical College is located in Rochester, Minnesota and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 929 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $17,278 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Rochester Community and Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,604 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Full Rochester Community and Technical College Report

3,728 Total Awards
$46,060 Average Earnings
$22,957 Avg Student Debt

Minnesota State University - Mankato landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Mankato, Minnesota, the fairly large public school awarded 3,728 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,957 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $180.After graduating from Minnesota State Mankato, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,060 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Full Minnesota State University - Mankato Report

#24

Dunwoody College of Technology

Minneapolis, Minnesota
453 Total Awards
$50,418 Average Earnings
$16,895 Avg Student Debt

Dunwoody College of Technology ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Minnesota list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and it awarded 453 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Dunwoody College of Technology accumulate an average of $16,895 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Dunwoody College of Technology graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $50,418 during the early year of their career. Around 18% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Dunwoody College of Technology Report

#25

Pine Technical & Community College

Pine City, Minnesota
333 Total Awards
$44,593 Average Earnings
$15,908 Avg Student Debt

Pine Technical & Community College landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Pine Technical & Community College is a small public school situated in Pine City, Minnesota. It awarded 333 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $15,908 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Pine Technical & Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,593 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Read full report on Pine Technical & Community College

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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