Alexandria Technical College

About Alexandria Technical College

Alexandria Technical College’s career placement is the highest among all Minnesota public 2-year colleges. In fact, Alexandria Technical College has successfully placed over 90% of our graduates into their chosen career field for the past several decades. As an ATC student, that means you can feel confident in your ability to find a related job in your field of study once you graduate. ATC provides quality education, whether you are wanting to start your career or just beginning your education, at a fraction of the cost of a university.

There are over 50 programs and majors to choose from. Alexandria Technical College knows you'll find something you're interested in. Finishing most degrees in only two years, makes ATC both affordable and time saving!

If two years is too long for you to be out of the workforce, ATC's has certificates and diplomas that can be completed in one year or less. Certificates and diplomas equip you with specific skills and knowledge that will set you apart in the workplace.

Maybe you're not quite ready to be part of the workforce. That's OK. Start your education at ATC and transfer to a four year college to finish. Still in high school? Check out our PSEO program that allows you to earn credits towards a college degree and your high school diploma.
Alexandria Technical College is more than textbooks, classes, labs, and studying. There are plenty of organizations, sports, and student activities to keep you from getting cabin fever. Alexandria is a fun and safe community filled with restaurants, shops, theaters, and plenty of outdoor recreational activities.

College History

Founded in 1961, at the request of local School District 206, Alexandria Area Vocational Technical School was established through community support and state funding. The school opened with 3 programs and 21 students. Focused on technical education, the school offered Carpentry, Farm Equipment Mechanics, and Machine Shop.

Through the years, the college has experienced as many name changes as it has Presidents. The college's integrity and commitment has been fostered in large part due to the stability of its leadership. While there have been five Presidents at ATC, all but its founder, Vern Maack, were long-term employees of the college before assuming the presidency. Most of the Presidents were faculty before assuming administrator roles. Their backgrounds as faculty served them well as much of the college's success has been a result of exemplary instructors. Alexandria Technical College has attracted faculty members who have managed to master both the expertise of their industry fields and the talent of teaching. Instructors' dedication to their students' success has made ATC a premier technical college.

The college's reputation for quality instruction and service to its students has followed it through being an area vocational technical school to being Alexandria Technical College. Through the many name changes, the college also shifted from being under the local school district to being a state college within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System in 1995.

Although the college has never wavered from its focus on exceptional technical education, the college has operated as a comprehensive college for decades. ATC was the first two year college in Minnesota to be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. As a comprehensive college, ATC better serves its community, partners, and its students. While still offering a Carpentry program, the college also offers over 50 programs, including degrees that seamlessly transfer into bachelor degrees.

Twice-recognized in Governor Pawlenty's Minnesota Measures report on education, Alexandria Technical College had the highest success percentages of all public 2-year colleges in Minnesota in these three key performance areas:

· Student Retention
· Student Graduation Rate
· Combined Student and Graduation and Transfer Rate

Placement

Job placement rates for graduates have been around 95% for several decades.

Affordability

Alex Tech is affordable—ranking (among MnSCU colleges) with the 3rd largest endowment balance, 2nd largest amount of scholarship dollars awarded and 2nd largest contributions from business and industry. ATC's foundation awards more than $100,000 in student support and scholarships each year.

Options

Over 50 program options deliver applied learning in a friendly, supportive atmosphere with personal attention from faculty and staff.Transferability: Many two-year associate degrees that transfer toward completion of Bachelor’s degrees across the state and nation are offered at ATC.

Culture

The college's rich history includes excellence in instruction and high academic expectations and performance. Additionally, numerous partnerships with local, state, national, and international business have led to significant business and industry financial support through the college's foundation.

Campus Safety

The college's campus is a welcoming and safe environment. Even a safe campus can feel intimidating after hours. The college has escorts available to students upon request. Complete Campus Security Statistics are printed in the Student Handbook.

Community

Alexandria is a recreational community with more than 50 lakes, opportunities to fish, hike, water ski, bicycle, snowmobile, and both downhill and cross-country ski.

Accreditation

All programs which require special state and/or national accreditation status are accredited as prescribed by the respective agencies. All Minnesota Technical Colleges are currently accredited by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) System.

North Central Accreditation

Alexandria Technical College is accredited at the Associate degree level by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of: North Central Association30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504Phone: 312-263-0456 or 1-800-621-7440Fax: 312-263-7462

Alexandria Technical College has been affiliated with the Higher Learning Commission since 1974 and accredited since 1980.

As part of its accreditation process, the college participates in the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP). Alexandria Technical Collge produced its current System Portfolio in 2007.