10/06/2026
We recognize that today's announcement regarding the Detroit Lakes campus may bring a range of emotions for alumni, students, employees, donors and community members.
Since opening in 1965, the Detroit Lakes campus has served our region under several names, including Detroit Lakes Area Vocational Technical Institute, Detroit Lakes Technical College, Northwest Technical College, and M State. For more than 60 years, the campus has opened doors to education, workforce training and opportunity for thousands of students while helping meet the needs of employers throughout our region.
While plans are moving forward to close the Detroit Lakes campus facility, the legacy of this campus extends far beyond a building. It lives on through the graduates, faculty, staff, donors, and community partners whose lives have been touched by this institution and its mission.
The M State Foundation & Alumni remains committed to supporting student success and honoring the impact the Detroit Lakes campus has had on generations of learners. We encourage our alumni and friends to read the college's update below to learn more about the decision, timeline and next steps.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of the Detroit Lakes campus story. Your impact will continue for generations to come.
Some difficult news to share today.
After years of careful evaluation and exploring multiple options, M State and the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities are moving forward with plans to close the M State Detroit Lakes campus. The facility is large, aging, and no longer being used at a level that aligns with its operating costs.
We know this news will bring a range of emotions for the many students, employees, alumni and community members who care deeply about the campus and its role in Detroit Lakes.
While our presence in Detroit Lakes may look different in the future, we remain committed to serving Detroit Lakes area students, employers and communities.
M State remains financially strong, and this decision is part of a proactive effort to align facilities with enrollment while continuing to focus resources on academic programs. The campus is not closing immediately; we expect it to remain open until at least summer 2028. The programs currently offered at the campus will continue at M State, with minimal disruption to students.
Learn more and find the latest updates: https://www.minnesota.edu/detroit-lakes-campus-facilities-updates