M State to close Detroit Lakes campus due to declining enrollment

Minnesota State Community and Technical College says it is closing its Detroit Lakes campus due to low enrollment.

The college, also known as M State, says the campus will stay open through at least the summer of 2028.

"This was not an easy decision, and it was not made lightly," says M State President Carrie Brimhall. "The Detroit Lakes campus has been part of the community for generations, and we recognize that this news may be disappointing or upsetting for many students, employees, alumni and community members."

Detroit Lakes students will have the opportunity to pursue their education and will receive support through the transition, the school said in a statement.

M State also has campuses in Fergus Falls, Moorhead and Wadena, as well as online programs, which all remain fiscally strong, the college said.

However, even more closures could be coming. The system that oversees 33 of Minnesota's colleges and universities says it has to make serious changes. 

In a memo last month, Minnesota State's chancellor warned it needs to "right-size" because costs are rising faster than revenue.

Chancellor Scott Olson believes a quarter of those 33 schools are facing financial issues. A "systemwide assessment" is underway with an update expected in January.