Since its inception in 1965, Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC) has been providing higher education and training in the north suburban areas of East Central Minnesota and Minneapolis/St. Paul. What began as a division of Centennial High School in Circle Pines has now grown considerably to a campus of over 100 acres in Coon Rapids. There is also a Cambridge campus and several other satellite locations throughout neighboring communities.
| Overall Score (about) | 51.0 |
| Total Cost On-Campus Attendance | $6,273 |
| Admission Success rate | N/A |
| Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty | 27 : 1 |
| Retention (full-time / part-time) | 55% / 46% |
| Enrollment Total (all students) | 8,845 |
Anoka-Ramsey is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. Each year, more than 10,000 students pursue academic degrees as well as certificate programs at the school. The institute offers a variety of degrees including the Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, Associate in Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Associate in Arts. Students can choose to study various disciplines including arts and language, biological sciences, business administration, computer networking and telecommunications, education, nursing, sales management, and theatre.
Credit and non-credit certificates in diverse areas of study including Administrative Specialist, Adobe Professional Suite, Business Generalist, Biomedical Industry Documentation/Configuration Management, Advanced Medical Device, Computer Applications/IT, Computer Operating Systems, Essential Oils, and Leadership in Business are offered. The college has also expanded students’ access to four-year and graduate degrees by bringing programs from other institutions to the Coon Rapids campus.
For students unable to attend a traditional college, online education is available. As long as a student has internet access, they can further their studies and get online certification from the comfort of home. Students can earn online degrees in more than 20 areas of study including anthropology, art, biology, chemistry, economics, environmental science, geography, history, math, music, philosophy, political science, and sociology. Some of the degrees and certificates that can be earned entirely online are Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Science, Business Computer Applications, and Business Generalist.
Anyone who has graduated from an accredited high school or its equivalent (GED) is qualified for admission. Applicants must submit a completed application form along with the required non-refundable application fee and official high school transcripts. Additional admission requirements may apply to students from outside the state of Minnesota, Amity International Scholars, nursing program, Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO), and Physical Therapist Assistant program applicants.
International students are encouraged to apply for admission. Applicants from non-English speaking countries must submit a proof of their proficiency in English language by taking the TOEFL, Michigan Test, or ELS.
Students who find it difficult to afford their educational needs should look into the following aid programs offered. All students seeking financial aid must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the U.S. Department of Education. Financial assistance is offered in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
Anoka-Ramsey Community College offers federal and state grants in the form of gift aid that does not have to be repaid. These include the federal Pell Grant program, Academic Competitiveness Grant, federal SEOG Program, and Minnesota State Grant Program.
There are scholarship programs available to those students who qualify. Some of the private and state scholarships available to eligible students include ACHIEVE Scholarship, Minnesota GI Bill, Minnesota State Post-Secondary Child Care Program, Healthcare Alliance Scholarship, Families for Freedom Scholarship Fund, Mary Cone Barrie Scholarship, Sarulu Belkofer Scholarship, Mercy Hospital Auxillary Nursing Scholarship, Minnesota Trappers Association College Scholarship, and RARE – Robbinsdale Association of Retired Educators.
The institute also offers work-study programs, which is financial aid in the form of part-time jobs. Eligible students may work on-campus in a department of their interest, depending on job availability. Apart from helping students pay for their college education, work-study programs also allow them to work around their academic schedule and add work experience to their resume.
Students can also opt for loans, a type of financial aid that must be returned with interest. Some of the loans available are Federal Perkins Loan, Federal PLUS Loan (PLUS) with a PLUS Supplement, and Minnesota SELF Loan.
A multitude of vibrant activities which form a vital aspect of the student life help make up campus life. The students, alumni and community members are encouraged to participate in a variety of clubs, organizations and events. The Student Activities Office supports the extra-curricular programs designed to supplement students’ academic courses. The academic clubs, social organizations, and other student activities are offered for optional credits. The Student Activities Office sponsors numerous social, educational, and cultural events throughout the year.
The Student Government is an organization which acts as the voice for all students. It consists of members who carry out elections, appoint committee members, and advocate for student’s needs and concerns. Some of the other on-campus clubs and organizations include Astronomy Club, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Club, Computer Science Club, Engineering and Physics Club, Adult Learning Club, Creative Writing Club, Environmental Club, Hearts Ablaze Christian Club, Multicultural Student Club, Nurses Christian Fellowship, Pre-Vet and Pre-Med Club, Students Taking Action for Road Safety (STARS), and Swing Dancing Club.
The Rampage is the student-operated newspaper on Coon Rapids Campus. It provides students with an opportunity to gain experience and aptitude in photography, journalism, editing and design.
The Coon Rapids Campus Library houses an extensive collection of academic books, reference materials, journals, newspapers, magazines and a variety of other online resources. The library is staffed with student workers who can assist with book loans and general inquiries. Students can also access the online library that offers a variety of references and online resources.
Students should take advantage of the career counseling services here in order to help determine the right career best for you. The main steps for self assessment include personality, career-related interests, values, and skills and abilities. The career counseling services offer various ways to help you identify your personality, interests, skills and values. The institute also offers personal counseling to the students on topics such as assertiveness, abuse, anxiety, depression, chemical abuse, eating disorders, relationship issues, grief, sexual orientation, self-esteem, time management, stress management, life transitions and wellness.
The school’s athletics teams participate in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Sports include men’s baseball, men’s basketball, men’s soccer, women’s basketball, women’s fast pitch softball, women’s soccer, and women’s volleyball. Teams are nicknamed the Golden Rams and are a member of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference.
Intramural and recreational sports offer a great way to make new friends and enjoy healthy competition. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in club sports including badminton, basketball, billiards, flag football, chess tournaments, ice-hockey, soccer, golf, hockey, fun-walks and runs, softball, tennis, and volleyball.
The Academic Support Center (ASC) offers free, drop-in tutoring in most of the subjects taught at the college. The ASC also supports an on-campus computer lab, a collection of study skills and handouts, writing tips, and information on study groups and the forthcoming student success workshops.
ARCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. In addition, the institute has several discipline-based accreditations from agencies such as the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
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