- Vermilion is a two-year residential college located in Ely, Minnesota on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Our 700 students come from across the country to study in this beautiful setting—the perfect place to get the hands-on and applied learning experiences offered by our environmental programs.
School Highlights
Vermilion Community College serves 554 students (64% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the state community college average of 22:1.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 42%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 554 students
- In-state tuition: $5,323
- Out-state tuition: $6,505
- Student:teacher ratio: 10:1
- Minority enrollment: 21%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Vermilion Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Completion Rates
School Overview
The teacher population of 54 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Vermilion Community College
(MN) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
54 staff
153 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Vermilion Community College has declined by 13% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 10:1 has stayed the same over five years.
The Vermilion Community College diversity score of 0.37 is less than the state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
554 students
2,555 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
22:1
# Full-Time Students
357 students
915 students
# Part-Time Students
197 students
1,808 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
526 students
372 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
357 students
842 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
38 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
197 students
1,771 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
12 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
304 students
116 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
1%
6%
% Hispanic
4%
8%
% Black
8%
15%
% White
79%
58%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
4%
4%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
2%
6%
Diversity Score
0.37
0.63
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
32%
0.3421%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.5652%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$36,200
$36,900
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $5,323 is less than the state average of $5,489. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,505 is more than the state average of $6,145. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,323
$5,489
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,505
$6,145
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
95%
89%
Median Debt for Graduates
$12,000
$12,264
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$6,747
Acceptance Rate
n/a
94%
SAT Reading
n/a
625
SAT Math
n/a
600
SAT Writing
n/a
565
ACT Composite
n/a
24
ACT English
n/a
24
ACT Math
n/a
23
ACT Writing
n/a
8
Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Vermilion offers a personal learning environment. Our 20:1 student/teacher ratio enables our instructors to know you on a first-name basis. Students can also participate in the many athletic, intramural, outdoor and student life activities offered by our faculty and staff. Vermilion offers a variety of two-year degree and one-year certificate programs. Vermilion programs prepare graduates through in-depth instruction which stresses hands-on applications. Vermilion's faculty profile has a rich mix of college instructors who bring their academic backgrounds and experience to the classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Vermilion Community College cost?
Vermilion Community College's tuition is approximately $5,323 for In-State students and $6,505 for Out-State students.
What is Vermilion Community College's ranking?
Vermilion Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Minnesota for: Highest completion rates.
Recent Articles
Obtaining Your Bachelor's Degree at a Community College
Explore the evolving landscape of community colleges offering bachelor's degrees, addressing affordability, accessibility, and workforce needs.
A to Z of Community College Certificates and Courses
From business and healthcare to technology and skilled trades, the article showcases the breadth of options available to students seeking to enhance their knowledge, develop new skills, or pursue career advancement.
What is a Community College?
This comprehensive guide explains what a community college is, its history, and its role in higher education. It covers the types of programs offered, differences from four-year colleges, benefits of attending, and important considerations for prospective students, providing valuable insights for those exploring educational options.
