Minnesota State Colleges & Universities

School highlights

Century College has a beautiful Student Center with a stage and game room, and a new Science and Library Building that features built-in window seats for studying and lounging, laptop computer checkout, wireless capacity, a fireplace and more than 45,000 books. Other features include state-of-the-art classrooms and nine science labs.

As both a community college and a technical college, Century also offers:

• GPS LifePlan, an electronic tool to connect educational goals to future career plans.
• Award-winning faculty members.
• Excellent programs in areas such as emergency medical services, law enforcement, computers, interior design, horticulture and dental hygiene.
• A Phi Theta Kappa honor society named one of the top 100 chapters in the nation.
• An Associate in Fine Arts in music degree.
• Nearly 40 student clubs, men’s and women’s soccer teams, intramural activities, new fitness center, and music and theater programs.
• A renowned service learning program.
• The Wood Duck Trail for walking and running.
• A multicultural center where international students from more than 45 countries meet to plan activities, socialize and study.
• The Fab Lab, where students use fabrication tools and software to build just about anything.
• A vibrant arts scene with orchestra, choir and theater programs.
• A veterans center for current military and returning veterans.
   

Admissions

Admissions requirements

Century 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.
 

Tuition & finance

Tuition and Fees (2012-2013): $5,357

FAFSA Code: 010546

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.

Campus life

College is more than textbooks, classes, labs and studying. Plenty of clubs and program-related organizations, sports and recreational activities help you meet new friends, develop leadership and team skills, stay fit and share the fun of working together on projects.