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Central Lakes College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A

ACT RangeN/A

Average GPAN/A

Acceptance Rate91%

Central Lakes’ 91% acceptance rate and same in-state/out-of-state tuition mean the main question is fit and affordability, not whether you have a narrow admissions shot. Since it is test-optional, use SAT or ACT scores strategically for placement or specific program needs, not as the center of your application.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Central Lakes College facts and stats

Quick Facts

Central Lakes College enrolls about 4,981 undergraduate students in a small-town setting. Central Lakes has a freshman retention rate of 69%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 20:1.

Location

Brainerd, MN

Undergrad Enrollment4,981

Freshman Retention69%

SettingSmall town

Student to Faculty Ratio20:1

Graduation RateN/A

Test PolicyTest-optional

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Key Central Lakes College application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

—

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

June 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Central Lakes, take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall for superscore-focused retakes. Since Central Lakes does not offer Early Decision or Early Action and no test-score-based aid cutoff is listed, confirm the regular admission deadline to see which fall retake will still arrive in time.

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What you'll actually pay

Central Lakes keeps pricing straightforward, with in-state tuition and out-of-state tuition both listed at $5,424. To be considered for financial aid on time, submit the FAFSA by the June 1 priority deadline.

In-State Tuition$5,424

Out-of-State Tuition$5,424

Room and BoardN/A

Average Merit AwardN/A

Application FeeN/A

Students on AidN/A

Average Aid PackageN/A

Average Debt at GradN/A

Central Lakes College lists out-of-state tuition at $5,424. As a public college, the final price can vary with program costs, fees, course load, and financial need. Students should compare the posted tuition with their financial aid offer to understand what they may actually pay.