School highlights

Minnesota West Community and Technical College has five campuses and four learning centers in beautiful southwest Minnesota. Thousands of wind turbines dot the landscape along the Buffalo Ridge, which runs through Minnesota West’s service area. Minnesota West is a national leader in renewable and sustainable energy programs. The college offers more than 60 majors in technical and liberal arts areas. 

• Five southwest Minnesota campus locations: Canby, Granite Falls, Jackson, Pipestone and Worthington. Learning centers in Fairmont, Luverne, Marshall and Redwood Falls.
• State leader in online, distance delivery and technology.
• First of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities to erect an on-campus wind tower used for both learning and power generation.
• Leader in allied health programming.
• The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
• Small class sizes allow for personal assistance with instructors and opportunities for getting to know your classmates.
• Numerous transfer agreements with state and private colleges and universities allow for easy transition to the next step.
• Learn more about the college through Facebook at facebook.com/minnesotawest.
   

Admissions

Admissions requirements

Minnesota West Community and Technical College has an open admissions policy. This means:

• You can enroll if you have a high school diploma or a GED. Even without those, you may be admitted if you demonstrate potential for success in college.
• You don’t have to take a standardized test to be admitted, and your high school grades and class rank are not considered.
• After you are admitted, you will take a placement test. That will tell you if you need to take remedial or developmental courses, which will not count toward a degree, before you can take college-level courses. Many students need just one developmental course, often in math or English. If you have taken these subjects every year in high school, you are more likely to do well on the placement test.

You can complete your studies in less time and for less total cost if you come well prepared for college-level work, especially by taking math, English, science and social studies classes every year in high school. Also, some programs of study require more math and science, so your high school preparation makes a difference.

Apply early in 12th grade. That increases your chances of being admitted to the specific program you want when you enter college. Some programs are more popular than others and fill early.
 

http://www.mnwest.edu/admissions

Tuition & finance

Tuition and Fees (2012-2013): $5,657

FAFSA Code: 005263

How to apply for financial aid

Your key to receiving financial aid to help pay your college costs is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA form. Many students don’t realize they could qualify for grant money and federally guaranteed loans, so be sure to find out by filling out the form.

Complete the FAFSA after Jan. 1 of your senior year. Find the form online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or pick up the form at your school counselor’s office. For help with completing the form, go to your high school counselor or the financial aid office at the college or university you plan to attend.

The FAFSA determines your eligibility for one or more of the following types of financial aid:

Scholarships
Scholarships are a great source of aid, and you do not need to pay them back. Many scholarships are available for students with special interests and backgrounds. Talk to your guidance counselor about what kind of scholarships you can get.

Grants
You may be eligible to receive federal and state grants of $300 to more than $7,000 per year. You do not need to pay these back.

Work study
Work study programs give you the opportunity to work on campus or with approved off-campus employers to earn money to pay for college. Work study jobs are often very flexible, allowing you to work around your classes and personal schedules.