2-Year College

Community College

• Programs typically completed in 2 years

  • Earn an Associate's Degree and transfer to a 4-year college

  • Earn a degree that leads directly to the work force after program completion

• Open admission policy

• ACCUPLACER or other placement test typically required

• Examples:

  • Central Lakes College (Brainerd)

  • St. Cloud Technical and Community College

Technical College

• Degree, diploma or certificate typically completed in 2 years or less

• Offer programs that teach specific knowledge and skills leading directly to careers

• Open admission policy- some programs have limited spots available and some may have prerequisite courses (taken either in high school or in college prior to be admitted to the program) and fill up quickly

• ACCUPLACER or other placement test typically required

• Examples:

  • St. Cloud Technical and Community College

  • Anoka Technical College