What Is It Known For?
Minneapolis College sits right downtown near Loring Park. This location puts you close to the city’s arts corridor and major businesses. The school officially started in 1996, but the roots go back much deeper. It was formed by joining two older schools. One was a technical college that started teaching trades in 1914. The other was a community college that opened in 1965. Bringing them together created a single place for both technical training and liberal arts. Now, almost 10,000 students come here every year to learn.
Degrees & Certifications
You have plenty of choices for what to study. The college offers certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees. Popular study areas include:
- Dental Assistant
- Community Development
- Graphic Design
- Software Developer
- Mathematics
- And Much More!
Class Schedules
Classes are set up to work with your calendar. You can go to school during the day if that works best. Night and weekend options are there if you work a standard job. Online classes give you even more freedom to learn when you want. Hands-on training is also a big part of the experience. For example, dental students work in real clinics to get ready for their careers.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. Minneapolis College holds accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission.
Acceptance Rate
The school follows an open admission policy. The acceptance rate is 100%.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the average yearly cost to attend Minneapolis College is $13,235. Your actual expenses may run higher or lower depending on your chosen program and credit load.
The school’s net price calculator gives you a personalized estimate. This tool accounts for tuition, fees, and other costs specific to your situation and program of study.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business
Criminal Justice & Law
- Criminal Justice
Healthcare
- Dental Assistant
- Nursing
- Nursing Assistant
- Pharmacy Technician
- Psychology
- Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician
Professional Services
- Graphic Design
- Theatre Arts
Skilled Trades
- CNC Machinist
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- Welding and Metal Fabrication
Technology
- Cyber Security and Defense
- Software Developer
- Web Design and Front-End Development
Campus Locations
Minneapolis 1501 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Minneapolis College is recognized as a vital, highly diverse urban institution in the heart of downtown. It is praised for its accessibility and strong academic instruction, though it continues to face challenges with administrative responsiveness and student support consistency.
Overall Score: 3.9/5 Stars
Common Praises
High-Quality Instruction: A majority of students report that once they are in the classroom, the quality of education is “second to none.” Instructors are frequently described as passionate, understanding, and dedicated to student success.
Affordability and Value: The college is highly ranked in 2025 for affordability, with 72% of students qualifying for financial aid. Many use the school as a strategic “starting point” to complete general credits at a fraction of the cost before transferring to four-year universities.
Supportive Basic Needs Resources: Students appreciate the on-campus support, including a basic needs center that provides food and personal hygiene items every Wednesday.
Transformative Programs: Specialized initiatives like the TREC Center (focused on re-entry for justice-impacted students) and the Power of You program (offering free tuition for qualifying high school grads) are highlighted as life-changing resources.
Diversity and Inclusion: With 67% minority enrollment, students often cite the “vibrant” and “inclusive” atmosphere as a primary reason for enjoying their time on campus.
Common Criticisms
Administrative & Communication Gaps: A persistent complaint involves the “administrative side” of the college. Reviewers frequently report that telephone and email support are “severely lacking,” with many messages going unanswered.
Varying Faculty Quality: While many instructors are praised, some reviews mention a significant variance in teaching talent, with reports of “rude professors” or instructors who lack patience for students with learning disabilities.
Financial Aid Struggles: Some students describe the financial aid process as a “black hole,” citing difficulties in getting clear information or feeling unsupported when navigating complex loan and grant systems.
Weight Room Music: In a lighter but specific critique, the campus weight room has been noted for its “horrible” jazz music selection, which some find uninspiring for workouts.
Momentum
The momentum for Minneapolis College is robustly mission-driven and focused on equity in 2025. The college has seen major success this year, including a record-breaking graduation rate for Indigenous nursing students and the launch of new programs specifically designed to train women for careers in the trades. In November 2025, the college was awarded a significant Hunger Free Campus Grant to further alleviate food insecurity among its urban student body. While the “One Stop” administrative hurdles remain a point of frustration for some, the college’s 2025 efforts to provide “holiday support” and foster a “continuity of care” through its TREC Center demonstrate a deep commitment to being more than just an academic institution, but a community lifeline.