Overview
Central Lakes College-Brainerd is located in Brainerd, MN. This comprehensive ROI analysis uses federal IRS W-2 earnings data to help you understand what graduates from Central Lakes College-Brainerd actually earn.
Data last updated: February 11, 2026
| Key Metric | Value | |------------|-------| | Median Graduate Earnings | $42,162 | | In-State Tuition | $6,209 | | Out-of-State Tuition | $6,209 | | Acceptance Rate | N/A | | Graduation Rate | N/A | | Student Population | 1,486 |
Graduate Earnings
According to federal data from IRS W-2 records, the median annual earnings for Central Lakes College-Brainerd graduates is $42,162 measured 10 years after initial enrollment.
This earnings figure represents graduates who received federal financial aid and had W-2 earnings reported to the IRS.
How This Compares
Compare Central Lakes College-Brainerd's graduate earnings to:
- [Similar schools in MN](/schools/mn)
- [Schools with similar admission rates](/compare)
- [National averages by major](/majors)
Cost Breakdown
Understanding the true cost of attending Central Lakes College-Brainerd:
| Cost Component | In-State | Out-of-State | |----------------|----------|--------------| | Tuition & Fees | $6,209 | $6,209 | | Room & Board | N/A | N/A | | 4-Year Total (Est.) | N/A | N/A |
Note: Actual costs may vary. Financial aid can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
ROI Analysis
To calculate your personal ROI:
- Estimate your total cost after financial aid
- Compare to median earnings of $42,162
- Consider your specific major (earnings vary significantly)
- Factor in opportunity costs of 4 years of study
Top Majors at Central Lakes College-Brainerd
The highest-earning majors at Central Lakes College-Brainerd typically include:
- Engineering and Computer Science programs
- Business and Finance degrees
- Healthcare and Nursing programs
Similar Schools to Consider
Based on size, selectivity, and location, you might also consider:
- Schools in MN with similar outcomes
- Institutions with comparable admission rates
- Universities with strong programs in your intended major
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Lakes College-Brainerd worth the tuition?
With median graduate earnings of $42,162 and an out-of-state 4-year cost of approximately $24,836, the payback period depends on your financial aid package and chosen major.
What percentage of Central Lakes College-Brainerd students graduate?
Graduation rate data is not currently available.
How competitive is admission to Central Lakes College-Brainerd?
Admission rate data is not currently available.
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This page uses data from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard API. Earnings data reflects median annual earnings for students who received federal financial aid, measured 10 years after enrollment.