What Is It Known For?
South Central College has built a reputation for career-focused education paired with personal support. Its historical roots trace back to 1995 when the North Mankato and Faribault campuses (both founded in the 1940s) merged under statewide reform, forming South Central Technical College. Later on in 2005, it got approval to become a community and technical college, changing its name to South Central College.
Enrollment now sits above 4,000 students each year based on unduplicated headcount, which keeps classrooms active but still manageable.
More than 100 career-ready awards are available, along with 20-plus transfer programs linked to four-year universities.
Degrees & Certifications
Program options at South Central College cover short training and longer academic paths, depending on goals and time plans. Associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates support direct entry into technical roles, while Associate of Arts and Transfer Pathway programs prepare learners for bachelor’s study.
Fields range across:
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Building and Design
- Health Sciences
- General Education and Transfer Options, and more.
High school learners also have college credit-earning options. For working adults and employers, Customized Workforce Education provides continuing education and skill upgrades tied to industry needs.
Class Schedules
At South Central College, online learning lets you fit classwork and study time into whatever schedule your life demands. Day, evening, and weekend classes add flexibility for students juggling jobs or family responsibilities.
Internships, apprenticeships, and job placement opportunities connect classroom learning to real employment. Health-related programs also include clinical experiences where you work in actual medical settings under supervision.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. South Central College holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, which evaluates academic quality and operations. In addition, select programs maintain approval from outside agencies that set field-specific standards.
Acceptance Rate
100% acceptance for applicants who meet basic admission requirements. However, some fields impose additional prerequisites or competitive selection processes.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Standard courses at South Central College cost $214.45 total per credit. Online courses cost $246.45 per credit. Your complete program cost depends on how many credits you need and how long it takes.
Use the school’s net price calculator for personalized estimates based on your financial situation and program choice.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business Management
Healthcare
- Dental Assisting
- Emergency Medical Services
- Health Sciences Broad Field
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Nursing Practical (LPN)
- Nursing Professional (RN)
- Nursing Assistant (CNA / HHA)
- Paramedic Technician
- Phlebotomy
- Respiratory Therapy
- Surgical Technology
Professional Services
- Culinary Arts
Skilled Trades
- Carpentry
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R)
- Machine Tool Technology
- Manufacturing Production Technology
- Mechatronics
- Welding
Technology
- Computer Networking
- Computer Programming
- Marketing Management
Campus Locations
Faribault 1225 Third Street SW Faribault, MN 55021
North Mankato 1920 Lee Boulevard North Mankato, MN 56003
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, South Central College-North Mankato Campus is recognized as a technically focused community college that serves as a vital workforce training hub for Southern Minnesota. While it receives high marks for its specialized industrial programs and faculty expertise, it faces significant criticism regarding administrative consistency and the transferability of its credits.
Overall Score: 3.8/5 Stars
Common Praises
Expert Technical Instructors: Students in specialized fields, such as Mechatronics and Automotive, frequently praise their teachers as “the best they’ve ever had,” noting that instructors often go above and beyond to ensure students succeed in high-demand trades.
Strong Professional & Technical Programs: The campus is highly regarded for its industrial focus. Visitors and short-term students often mention that the robotics and technical facilities are well-equipped and led by knowledgeable professionals with diverse field experience.
Support for PSEO and Non-Traditional Students: Reviewers often highlight that the college is “super accommodating” for high school students in the PSEO program and provides a welcoming atmosphere for adult learners returning for second degrees.
Modern Facilities: Recent visitors have noted that the campus interior has been renovated, describing the learning environment as “beautiful” and “up-to-date.”
Common Criticisms
Administrative & Advising Hurdles: A recurring theme in negative reviews is a lack of coordination in the student affairs and admissions offices. Students report being “dropped” from classes without notice or receiving incorrect advice regarding financial aid coverage.
Transferability of Credits: Several parents and students have expressed frustration that credits earned at SCC were not accepted by nearby institutions like Minnesota State University, Mankato (MSU), leading to wasted time and money.
Mixed Faculty Reliability: While technical instructors are praised, some students in general education courses feel that teachers are occasionally “unhelpful” or difficult to reach, with a few reporting that instructors sometimes leave students to work entirely on their own.
Low Graduation Rates: Some reviewers have expressed concern over the college’s graduation statistics, which are often cited as being below 30%, leading to questions about long-term student retention and support.
Momentum
The momentum for South Central College-North Mankato Campus is heavily geared toward regional industrial leadership in 2025. In November 2025, the college secured a major state grant to expand its Agricultural and Food Science facilities, aiming to support the local ag-tech sector. Additionally, SCC has successfully launched a new Electric Vehicle (EV) Technician certification program this year to meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry. While the college continues to excel as a “workforce engine,” the persistent feedback regarding “rude office staff” and transfer hurdles suggests that improving the administrative student experience remains its primary challenge heading into 2026.