About the Network
The Friends Action Network is a grassroots network of faculty, students, staff, alumni and community members who value Minnesota's 32 state colleges and universities.
We encourage supporters to talk to their friends, family, neighbors - and especially their elected officials - about the value that the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system offers to the state.
FAN will provide a common voice and message to build public support for one of the state's greatest assets - Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.
Did you know?..
- The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system is the fifth largest system of two- and four-year colleges and universities in the country, based upon student enrollment.
- The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system was created through the merger of three existing higher education systems.
- The Minnesota Legislature approved the merger in 1991 and it became effective July 1, 1995.
- Before the merger, there were 45 colleges and universities; today, consolidations and mergers have reduced the number of institutions to 32.
- The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities consists of 7 state universities, 5 community colleges, 7 technical colleges and 13 combined community technical colleges with 54 campuses in 47 communities.
- All of the system's two-year community and technical colleges have an open admissions policy, which means anyone with a high school diploma or GED may enroll.
- Tuition at the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is lower than tuition at private colleges, private trade schools, and the University of Minnesota.
- Nearly 66,000 students took online courses during the 2007-2008 academic year.
- A complete list of online courses, programs, and services is available at www.minnesotaonline.org.
- An appropriation by the state of Minnesota helps keep the tuition as low as possible.
- For every $1 paid in tuition, the state pays $1.02 to support a student's education
- The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities offer more than 3,848 educational programs.
- The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities educate:
- 52 percent of the state’s new teaching graduates
- 82 percent of the state’s new nursing graduates
- 86 percent of the state’s new law enforcement graduates
- 87 percent of new graduates in the construction trades
- 92 percent of new mechanics graduates
- 42 percent of the state’s new business graduates
- 9,000 firefighters and emergency first responders each year
- More than 80 percent of graduates stay in Minnesota to work or continue their education
- More than 87 percent of graduates are employed in a field related to their studies one year after graduation
- The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities employs over 19,000 people inlcuding full- and part-time faculty and staff.
If you have questions or comments please email us at fan@so.mnscu.edu.
