College Overview

College Overview

North Hennepin Community College opened its doors to 414 students in the former Osseo Senior High School September of 1966 and today is a vital member of the community and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system.  The following information provides a brief overview of North Hennepin Community College.

Mission

Engaging Students, Changing Lives
North Hennepin Community College creates opportunities for students to reach their academic goals, succeed in their chosen professions, and make a difference in the world.

Vision Statement

Opportunity Without Limits, Learning Without End, and Achievement Beyond Expectation

Guiding Values

We believe in the power of education to change lives. Toward that end, we:

  • Inspire intellectual curiosity
  • Embrace diversity of all kinds
  • Foster trust and respect
  • Expect quality and continuous improvement
  • Encourage creativity and innovation
  • Promote individual responsibility and integrity
  • Invest in professional and personal development
  • Build strong, collaborative partnerships
  • Serve as responsible stewards of college resources

 

Strategic Goals

Access, Opportunity, and Success
Maintain academic standards and stable enrollments while increasing retention and completion.

Innovation and Relevance
Maintain curriculum that is relevant and effective while developing innovative new courses and programs.

Culture of Commitment
Develop a more rewarding, engaged, and inclusive college environment.

Workforce and Community
Expand effective partnerships within and beyond our community. 

Academic Year 2011 Enrollment/Profile

Total Enrollment (credit and non-credit students)

12368

Credit Enrollment (credit students)

10708

Full Year Equivalents (FYE)1 (Credit only)

5058.0

Continuing Education and Customized Training Students (non-credit)

1660

Full Time Students

36%

Part Time Students

64%

Average Class Size

26

Female Students

57%

Male Students

43%

Average Age

27.5

Median Age of Students

24

Students Over the Age of 25

45%

Under-represented Students2

77%

Students of Color

34%

First Generation College Students3

6583 (68%)

Low Income College Students5

4306 (40%)

English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Students

S/B 1392

International Students with F-1 Visas 

104 

Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) Students

533 

Students Taking Online Classes

4599 

Students Taking Classes at Buffalo Site (Fall Term)

158

Graduation/Transfer Rate4

46%

Retention Rate4

61%

Transfer Rate4

31%

Graduation Rate4

15%

1FYE=total enrolled credits/30. 2 Under-represented student is a student who is either First Generation, and/or Student of Color and/or Low Income (Pell Eligible). 3First Generation college student is a student neither of whose parents have completed a 4 year degree.4Cohort for Graduation, Transfer and Retention rates is first-time, full-time, degree-seeking students entering in a given fall term. 5 Low income student is a student who was classified as Pell Eligible.

 

Fall 2010 Term Full Time Cohort Data

Enrollment (unduplicated headcount)

2795 

Female Students

51%

Male Students

49%

Average Age

23

Students Under Age 25

77%

Students of Color

37%

Pell Eligible Students

52%

 
The Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Research is able to provide additional demographic detail.

 

Timeline

  • 2008 — MSU Moorhead offered B.S. degrees in Operations Management and Construction Management on the NHCC campus.
  • 2007 — Online programs received accreditation. MSU Moorhead offered B.A. in Biology on the NHCC campus.
  • 2006 — NHCC celebrated 40 years.
  • 2005 — Courtyard renovation was completed. The Career and Continuing Education Building was renamed The Center for Business and Technology and the Activities Building was renamed The Health and Wellness Center.
  • 2004 — The college served 9,000 students. The New Center for Liberal Arts opened.
  • 2002 — The new Science Center opened. The Tessman Greenhouse was dedicated.
  • 2001 — Senator Paul Wellstone visited campus.
  • 1998 — The College converted from a quarter to a semester system. Governor-elect Jesse Ventura visited campus.
  • 1997 — The carillon was installed on campus.
  • 1996 — The Educational Services Building opened.
  • 1994 — The Evans-Nordby Lecture Series was established. President Bill Clinton visited campus.
  • 1990 — 5,707 students were enrolled. NHCC offered courses in Buffalo.
  • 1989 — Leadership Academy was established.
  • 1988 — The Fitness Center opened. Weekend College was introduced.
  • 1986 — The Career and Continuing Education Building opened. NHCC celebrated 20 years. 4,394 students were enrolled.
  • 1982 — 3,024 students enrolled at NHCC. NHCC Foundation was established. Tuition was set at $25 per credit.
  • 1975 — The Administration Building was completed along with the music addition on Fine Arts building.
  • 1974 — St Cloud State offered courses at North Hennepin. Jesse Ventura attended North Hennepin Community College.
  • 1973 — The name changed from North Hennepin State Junior College to North Hennepin Community College.
  • 1972 — The Campus Center & Fine Arts Building were completed, with the exception of the Theater.
  • 1971 — The two-year nursing curriculum was begun.
  • 1970 —The Activities Building was completed in December.
  • 1969 — The College moved to its present facilities on an eighty-acre site. Fall enrollment was 1,772 students.
  • 1966 — North Hennepin State Junior College opened in the former Osseo Junior High. Dale Lorenz was the first President.