University of Minnesota -- Crookston (UMC), located in the metropolitan area of Crookston, was founded in 1951. It is a public university offering bachelor's and associate's degrees, along with certificate courses. Average student population of the university is 2,179 which includes both male and female students, with a 23:1 student-teacher ratio. UMC also allows international students to study as residential students. As it provides all full-time students with a laptop of their own, it is also known as the Laptop University. Four major departments in the university offer quality education in subjects including arts, humanities, business, science, math, technology and agriculture.
Northland Community and Technical College was established in 1949 after Thief River Falls, about 35 miles from Crookston, received an approval to form a vocational school. Later on it emerged as a bigger educational institution known as Northland Community and Technical College and merged with an existing junior college around that area. Apart from the campuses at the East Grand Forks and Thief River Falls, Northland Community and Technical College has another two campuses in the state of Minnesota. Average student enrollment is 4,100 (undergraduate) and the teacher-student ratio is 1:19. The college offers both associate's degree and certificate courses in various technical and arts subjects. Liberal arts, media studies, mass communication, aviation, animation and other career oriented programs are available for study.
White Earth Tribal and Community College (WETCC), established in 1979 and about 40 miles from Crookston, in Mahnomen, is controlled by the Anishinaabe tribe of Native Americans. The college was officially opened to students and teachers belonging to Anishinaabe culture. It mainly teaches liberal arts to educate people about the customs and culture of Anishinaabe origin. Associate degree courses on Native American studies, education and nursing are also offered at this college.
The University of North Dakota campus is located at the Grand Forks, 24 miles from Crookston. The number of full-time students at the university is 9,935. The college offers courses in biology, anthropology, communication, chemistry, geography, law, forensic science and aerospace science. Certification courses on air quality management, AutoCAD 2009 and bookkeeping are conducted through distance learning facilities. Non-degree courses meant for personal enrichment and career development are also offered at the University of North Dakota.