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Most Popular Trade Schools in Minnesota

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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. Once they receive their degree, Hennepin Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,797 during the early year of their career. Around 29% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Hennepin Technical College Report

#2

Saint Paul College

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

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Saint Paul College is a great place for trade school students. Located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,328 diplomas to qualifed students 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. During the early years of their career, Saint Paul College graduates make an average of $36,206 annually. 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

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Anoka Technical College. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Minnesota list. Anoka, Minnesota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 985 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. Once they receive their degree, Anoka Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,893 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

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#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 attend Century College. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Minnesota list. Century College is located in White Bear Lake, Minnesota and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,113 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $18,493 in loans while pursuing 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. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Century College Report

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

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Minnesota West Community and Technical College is a great place for trade school students. Located in Granite Falls, Minnesota, the small public school awarded 690 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,465 in loans while pursuing their degree.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. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Minnesota West Community and Technical College Report

#6

Rasmussen University - Minnesota

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

Rasmussen University - Minnesota did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #6 on the list. Rasmussen University - Minnesota is located in St. Cloud, Minnesota and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,068 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $22,566 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $168, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Rasmussen University - Minnesota, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,281 during the early years of their career. Around 86% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Rasmussen University - Minnesota

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

With a ranking of #6, St Cloud Technical and Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. This small public school is located in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, and it awarded 1,009 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,164 in student loans.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. Around 59% of those degree recipients 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 came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Minnesota ranking. M State is a public institution located in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 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.

Read full report on Minnesota State Community and Technical College

#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. Located in Rosemount, Minnesota, the small public school handed out 863 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $13,189 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, DCTC graduates make an average of $46,125 annually. Around 47% of those degree recipients 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 landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Thief River Falls, Minnesota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 810 students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Northland Community and Technical College accumulate an average of $15,408 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Northland Community and Technical College graduates make an average of $41,428 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Read full report on Northland Community and Technical College

#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. St. Kate’s is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,399 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $37,715 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $312. 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.

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

Minneapolis Community and Technical College ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Minnesota list. 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.

On average, students take out $19,249 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Minneapolis Community and Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,845 during the early year 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

With a ranking of #13, Lake Superior College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. LSC is a small public school situated in Duluth, Minnesota. It awarded 999 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from LSC accumulate an average of $15,613 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from LSC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,585 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Read full report on Lake Superior College

#14

Minnesota State College Southeast

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

Minnesota State College Southeast ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Minnesota list. MSC Southeast is a small public school situated in Winona, Minnesota. It awarded 399 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from MSC Southeast accumulate an average of $13,869 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from MSC Southeast, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,491 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

Full Minnesota State College Southeast Report

#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.

Degree recipients from Ridgewater College accumulate an average of $14,214 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Ridgewater College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,961 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Read More…

#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. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $131. During the early years of their career, Aveda Institute - Minneapolis graduates make an average of $26,443 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 94% were women.

Read full report on Aveda Institute - Minneapolis

#17

Riverland Community College

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

Riverland Community College ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Minnesota list. Austin, Minnesota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 644 students in 2021-2022.

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

Read full report on Riverland Community College

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

Alexandria Technical & Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #18 on the list. ATCC is located in Alexandria, Minnesota and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 662 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,436 in student loans. During the early years of their career, ATCC graduates make an average of $40,141 annually. Around 46% of those degree recipients 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

Capella University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #19 on the list. Capella University is a large private for-profit school located in Minneapolis, Minnesota that handed out 14,847 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Capella University accumulate an average of $59,264 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Capella University graduates make an average of $61,758 annually. Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

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500 Total Awards
$23,829 Average Earnings

Summit Academy Opportunities Industrialization Center did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #20 on the list. Minneapolis, Minnesota is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 500 students in 2021-2022.

After graduating from Summit Academy Opportunities Industrialization Center, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $23,829 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 30% were women.

Full Summit Academy Opportunities Industrialization Center Report

#21

Central Lakes College - Brainerd

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

With a ranking of #21, Central Lakes College - Brainerd did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Central Lakes College is a small public school situated in Brainerd, Minnesota. It awarded 856 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,800 in student loans.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. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

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

Rochester Community and Technical College landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. 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.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,278 in student loans.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. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Rochester Community and Technical College

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

Minnesota State University - Mankato ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Minnesota list. Minnesota State Mankato is located in Mankato, Minnesota and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 3,728 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $22,957 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $180. During the early years of their career, Minnesota State Mankato graduates make an average of $46,060 annually. 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 came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Minnesota ranking. Dunwoody College of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The school has a small population, and it awarded 453 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $16,895 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Dunwoody College of Technology, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $50,418 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 18% were women.

Read full report on Dunwoody College of Technology

#25

Pine Technical & Community College

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

Pine Technical & Community College came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Minnesota ranking. Pine Technical & Community College is a small public school situated in Pine City, Minnesota. It awarded 333 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Pine Technical & Community College accumulate an average of $15,908 in student debt by the time they complete 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

Most Popular Trade School Schools in the Plains States Region

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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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