Central Lakes College

In 2021, tuition for full-time students at Central Lakes College was $4,916 a year for in-state students and $4,916 a year for out-of-state students. On average, college tuition rises about 3 percent a year.

If these numbers seem daunting, remember, the total cost of tuition isn't necessarily what you will have to pay to attend a school. Many students pay far less than the total tuition after grants, scholarships, and tuition discounts kick in. Plus, student loans can make the amount you do have to pay for college more manageable.

In-state vs. Out-of-state Tuition at Central Lakes College

Central Lakes College is a public, state institution, so it offers a reduced tuition rate of $4,916 for in-state students who attend full-time.

Public schools receive funds from the state to help them cover costs. Public, state schools can offer lower tuition for students who meet the requirements for in-state residency.

Attending a school where you qualify for in-state tuition can save significant money on the overall cost of college. Every state has their own rules about what makes someone eligible for in-state tuition. The most common requirement is that students must have lived in the state for a full year before starting school.

Explore other Minnesota colleges

Central Lakes College International Student Tuition

Central Lakes College has the same tuition for international students as for those from out of state.

International students are not eligible for federal financial aid, but may be eligible for school-specific aid and scholarships. International students with need may be eligible for the following types of financial support:

On-campus jobs

Loans from outsideCentral Lakes College

International students without financial need may be eligible for merit-based institutional scholarships.

Central Lakes College Living Expenses and Other Costs

In addition to tuition, there are other costs associated with college, like room and board, facility fees, and books and supplies.

Room and Board at Central Lakes College

Central Lakes College does not offer on-campus housing for students, so there are no charge for dorms. Students who live off campus but still want to use the dining facility can pay for a meal plan. The cost of board-only is $5,670.

Board costs may vary depending on how many meals are included in the meal plan you choose.

Cost of Books at Central Lakes College

The cost of books often surprises first-year college students. The actual cost of books depends on the courses you take and the materials required.

Yearly Fees

Most schools also have fees to help cover the cost of facilties, like the library, gym and computer labs. Full-time undergrads at Central Lakes College pay $760 in fees each academic year.

There may also be optional fees associated with participating in certain activities, like joining a fraternity or sorority, or playing on an intramural sports team, may mean additional fees.

Transportation costs

The total cost of transportation in college can really vary. It depends on if you drive or fly to get to school, own a car, or if you prefer to walk or take public transportation to get around campus.

A school's location can impact transportation costs. The Central Lakes College campus is in a small town setting in Minnesota.

Other College Costs

When creating a budget for college, don’t forget to leave some room in your budget for personal expenses, like entertainment, clothes, furnishings and toiletries.

Let’s look at the breakdown of all expenses, which can add up for both on-campus and off-campus students.

Total Cost of Central Lakes College

Tuition and fees may vary depending on program, course level, location, and more.

Central Lakes College Financial Aid

The majority of Central Lakes College undergrads use financial aid to to cover the cost of tuition. In 2021, 0 of the 4,357 undergrads enrolled received financial aid.

Most students take out institutional or government loans, because they tend to have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans. Loans from the federal government can be subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest during school, while unsubsidized loans begin accruing interest at the time the loan is issued. If students do no qualify for enough federal loans to cover the cost of tuition, some take out private loans. Parents can also take out ParentPLUS loans, which are government loans for parents who are helping their children pay for college.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps colleges determine how much financial need students and their familes have, so they can offer a financial aid package that meets, or come close to meeting, their need. For more information on Central Lakes College financial aid, keep reading, or visit their financial aid website.

Scholarships at Central Lakes College

Some students may receive grants and scholarships to help pay for college. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not have to be paid back.

In 2021, a total of $6,099,861 was awarded in need-based scholarships.

Central Lakes College Net Cost

The net price of college is the actual cost of attending a school for one year. Net cost is calculated by subtracting any scholarships, grants or other aid that does not need to be paid back from the total cost. Student loans are not part of the calculation, because they need to be repaid.

Now that we have a sense of the total estimated costs for Central Lakes College students, we can subtract the average financial aid package to find the estimated net cost. Net cost can vary depending on a students’ need and the financial aid award received.

When considering whether a school fits your budget, it is important to consider the estimated net cost, not just the sticker price of tuition. Often, schools with the highest tuition also offer the most generous aid packages, so estimate your net cost before eliminating a school because it does fit your budget.

By substracting the average financial aid package from the estimated costs, we get a number that may make the cost of Central Lakes College seem more manageable.

What will attending Central Lakes College really cost you? The answer depends on several factors.

As of 2011, colleges are required to have a net price calculator on their website to help prospective students and their families get a better idea of the actual cost of attending that school, based on their financial situation. You can find the Central Lakes College's net cost calculator on their website.

Central Lakes College Tuition Payment Plans

Some students choose to use payment plans to make the cost of tuition fit more comfortably in their budget.

Students cannot pay tuition in installments. Contact the financial aid office to verify this and discuss options.

Central Lakes College Tuition Waivers

Schools sometimes offer tuition waivers to certain groups to cover some or all of the cost of tuition. Some schools offer them for employees and their family, underrepresented students, or military students. Even with a tuition waiver, other expenses and fees are the responsibility of the student

Check the financial aid website for more information on payment plans and tuition waivers.