Workforce Programs at Colleges and Universities of Minnesota State Drive Key Sectors of State’s Economy

ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 22, 2025 - Several sectors of Minnesota's economy are facing an impending workforce shortage, and the colleges and universities of Minnesota State have a critical role to play in meeting this shortage - in terms of the credit, non-credit, and customized programs it offers, the partnerships it forms, and the contribution it makes to the state's economic vitality.

"Minnesota State is the most effective economic development program in the state," said Scott Olson, chancellor of Minnesota State. "Higher education should be viewed as an investment in our economy that provides a compelling ROI by building a workforce and talent supply that attracts and retains businesses, increases the earning potential of graduates, and reduces unemployment. The colleges and universities of Minnesota State are the most powerful asset the state has for meeting this need."

For example, in FY2022, the colleges and universities of Minnesota State presented over 12,000 awards to students completing programs in nursing and allied health fields, accounting for over 60% of awards in these fields from all higher ed in Minnesota.

The colleges and universities of Minnesota State also presented:

• Nearly 11,500 awards to students completing programs in business, management, marketing, and related fields, accounting for 46% of awards in these fields from all higher ed in Minnesota.
• Nearly 1,200 awards to students completing programs in public safety, accounting for approximately 90% of awards in these fields from all higher ed in Minnesota.
• Over 1,500 awards to students completing programs in engineering and engineering technology, accounting for 46% of awards in these fields from all higher ed in Minnesota.
• 96% of the credentials in programs under mechanics and repair technologies such as electronics repair, HVAC, and heavy industrial equipment technologies.
• 95% of the credentials in precision production including machine shop technology, welding, and CNC machining.

In addition, the colleges and universities of Minnesota State provide customized training directly to business and industry. This elevates the skill sets of employers' incumbent workforce and paves the way toward innovation that also has an important economic impact on Minnesota communities.

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Minnesota State includes 26 community and technical colleges and seven state universities serving approximately 270,000 students. It is the fourth-largest system of two-year colleges and four-year universities in the United States.