The only institute of higher learning in Faribault is South Central College (southcentral.edu). This community college offers two-year associate's degrees. Available degrees are Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Science and Associate of Arts. South Central's degree requirements are primarily business and technology related courses. South Central College was only a technical college when it was founded. In 2005, the school made the transition to becoming a full-fledged community college. Another South Central College campus is in Mankato, Minn. South Central College also provides the Center for Business and Industry program for profit and nonprofit businesses.
Located in Owatonna, Riverland Community College (riverland.edu) is a 20-minute drive south of Faribault. This two-year college provides associate's degrees in the areas of science, liberal arts and fine arts. Riverland also has certificates and diplomas for students pursuing vocational studies. Over 50 degree programs are available at Riverland. For students seeking financial aid, Riverland provides $1,000, $750 and $500 scholarships; requirements vary between scholarships. This college has campuses in Austin, Minn. and Albert Lea, Minn.
Carleton College (carleton.edu) is in the neighboring town of Northfield, approximately 25 minutes from Faribault. This college is a four-year, privately-funded institute. Carleton enrolls approximately 1,900 to 2,000 students annually in its undergraduate program. This college emphasizes a liberal arts education and has 37 degrees as of summer 2011. In 2008, U.S. News and World Report listed Carleton College as the eighth-ranked liberal arts college in the U.S. On Carleton's campus, students have access to the Cowling Arboretum, a 880-acre park with walking trails and slow-moving streams.
Founded in 1874, St. Olaf College (stolaf.edu) is a private, four-year higher learning institute in western Northfield. This college is a 25-minute drive from Faribault. St. Olaf is a Christian institute and affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Approximately 3,100 students attend St. Olaf College and the majority of the school's enrollment are full-time, degree-seeking students. The teacher to student ratio is 12 to 1 at St. Olaf. Mathematics and music are two of the school's most prestigious departments, according to the college's website.