Legacy Hall on M-State Fergus Falls' campus
FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (KFGO-KBRF) – Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) is seeing record-setting enrollment momentum this fall, with the highest preliminary total enrollment increase of all 33 colleges and universities in the Minnesota State system and a school-record 29% increase in on-campus enrollment at its Fergus Falls campus.
While official enrollment figures will not be finalized until later this fall, M State’s overall enrollment is up 7.57% as of Wednesday’s system report, placing the college first in year-over-year total enrollment growth statewide. The increase continues a multi-year upward trend for M State, which has posted consistent collegewide enrollment gains every year since 2022.
College leaders attribute the gains to a combination of factors, including strategic alignment between M State academic programs and regional workforce needs, the success of the college’s Blue and Gold Scholars Program at the Fergus Falls campus, and growth in online enrollment – which has risen by 7.4% this fall alone.
M State’s reputation for quality and affordability is also a factor, and the college continues to earn recognition in both areas. Most recently, WalletHub ranked M State 16th among more than 600 community colleges nationwide, and second among Minnesota institutions, in its 2026 Best Community Colleges rankings, announced in August. The annual rankings evaluate measures including affordability, academic quality and career outcomes.
“Our enrollment numbers tell a powerful story about the students and communities we serve,” says M State President Carrie Brimhall. “We’re honored that so many students choose M State to help them reach their goals, and it’s especially exciting to see growth happening across so many programs and pathways, from healthcare and the trades to transfer and online education.”
Growth has been especially strong in healthcare fields, with nursing, dental and other health sciences programs exceeding enrollment projections this fall. Programs in liberal arts, business, plumbing, criminal justice, sports management, electrical linework, automotive technology and massage therapy have also met or surpassed enrollment goals.
Over the past year, M State has also expanded and personalized its communications and outreach efforts, helping students complete their applications, register on time and stay on track to meet their educational goals. Some of this fall’s success, says M State Vice President of Recruitment and Retention Brian Maasjo, comes down to a simple but effective approach: meeting students where they are. That strategy has been especially evident through the Blue and Gold Scholars Program.
“We spent a great deal of time in Fergus Falls area high schools last year talking directly with students and their families about the Blue and Gold Scholars Program and their options after graduation,” Maasjo says. “Those personal conversations mattered. Students want to know there’s a place where they belong and where they can succeed, and we’re seeing the results of those connections.”
Sixty-six students are currently enrolled at M State through the scholars program, helping drive the 29% increase in on-campus enrollment in Fergus Falls. Launched in 2025, the program offers eligible graduates of partner high schools a tuition-free pathway to college through scholarships and financial support.
“While enrollment numbers will continue to fluctuate before they become official, we’re encouraged by what we’re seeing,” Brimhall says. “This strong start reflects growing interest in M State and reinforces that students are looking for high-quality, affordable education that leads to real opportunities.”
Story courtesy of M State.
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