October 6, 2026 IMPORTANT UPDATE: M State Detroit Lakes campus closure plans move forward
Following years of discussion and evaluation, M State and the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities have decided to move forward with plans to close the M State Detroit Lakes campus.
"This was not an easy decision, and it was not made lightly," says M State President Carrie Brimhall. "The Detroit Lakes campus has been part of the community for generations, and we recognize that this news may be disappointing or upsetting for many students, employees, alumni and community members. At the same time, we have a responsibility to ensure M State remains strong and well-positioned to serve students across the college for years to come."
The Detroit Lakes campus is large, aging, and serves far fewer students today than it did in the past.
M State spent years exploring different options to better align the campus with enrollment levels and long-term educational needs, engaging community and workforce stakeholders in those conversations. Ultimately, none of those options adequately addressed the underlying challenges. Closing the campus was determined to be the most responsible path forward to strengthen the college's long-term sustainability.
M State as a whole—including the college’s three other campuses in Fergus Falls, Moorhead and Wadena, as well as its online programming—remains financially strong. This decision is not being made because the college is experiencing financial trouble. Rather, it reflects a proactive effort to better align facilities with enrollment and keep resources focused on students and academic programs collegewide.
Closing the Detroit Lakes campus will save a projected $1 million annually in operating expenses, and is expected to avoid more than $18 million in future capital investment needs associated with the facility. Savings come from reduced utilities, maintenance, insurance, technology infrastructure and other ongoing costs.
While separate from Minnesota State’s recently announced systemwide strategic alignment initiative, this decision aligns closely with the goals of that work. The Minnesota State Board of Trustees has called on colleges and universities across the system to evaluate how facilities, programs and resources can best support long-term sustainability and student success.
What happens next?
This decision does not mean immediate closure of the Detroit Lakes campus. M State anticipates the campus will remain open and operational until at least summer 2028.
The recommendation to close the campus must still move through the Minnesota State governance process, including review and approval by the Minnesota State Board of Trustees.
M State will host a public meeting on Thursday, Nov. 5, to provide information and answer questions. Additional details on that meeting will be shared as plans are finalized.
What this decision does not mean
This is not a college closure. M State will continue serving students through its three other campuses and online.
This is not a program closure. The nursing and radiologic technology programs currently offered at the Detroit Lakes campus will continue at M State. The radiologic technology program is expected to transition to the Moorhead campus, and M State is pursuing a lease agreement with a local partner to support the future of the nursing program in Detroit Lakes. These relocations would be implemented through a phased approach beginning in fall 2027, with the goal of minimizing disruption for students. Current students will continue to have a path to complete their programs and will receive support throughout the transition.
In addition, M State will work to minimize employee impacts wherever possible. Affected employees will be directly and promptly informed as decisions are made, and will be supported throughout the process.
Commitment to the Detroit Lakes region
While M State’s presence in Detroit Lakes may change, the college’s commitment to the Detroit Lakes community remains. The college will continue working with employers, healthcare providers, schools and community organizations to meet education and workforce needs and support student success throughout the region.
Future use of the Detroit Lakes campus facility has not yet been determined. M State will continue to honor existing leases and agreements while working with the Minnesota State system and community partners to evaluate future options.
Check back to this page for future updates and the latest information.
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FAQs
Why is this happening?
The Detroit Lakes campus has experienced a decline in enrollment over the past decade, and the facility is no longer being used at a level that aligns with its large size and operating costs. Over the past three years, M State and the Minnesota State system have evaluated a range of alternatives, including consolidating operations within portions of the building, introducing new programs, pursuing community and industry partnerships and exploring other uses for the facility. Following extensive analysis and discussion, college and system leaders have concluded that those options do not adequately address underlying enrollment, facility and long-term sustainability challenges. They have determined that moving forward with closure of the campus is the best long-term way to strengthen the future of M State and continue serving students across the college.
Is M State in financial trouble?
No. M State remains financially strong, with healthy reserves and positive financial indicators. This decision is not being made because of a financial crisis at M State. Rather, it is a proactive measure intended to ensure M State remains financially strong and sustainable for years to come.
How many people does this directly impact?
There are currently 40 staff and faculty members based on the Detroit Lakes campus; many of these are collegewide employees and/or employees who work remotely. The current student headcount for the Detroit Lakes campus is 111. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruptions for students, and to minimize employee impact wherever possible. All affected students and employees will receive direct communications and support as decisions are made, well before changes affecting them are implemented.
What happens to the academic programs currently offered in Detroit Lakes?
The two programs offered at the Detroit Lakes campus will continue to be offered at M State. The radiologic technology program is expected to transition to the Moorhead campus, and M State is pursuing a lease agreement with a Detroit Lakes partner to support the future of the nursing program in Detroit Lakes. These relocations would be implemented through a phased approach beginning in fall 2027, with the goal of minimizing disruption and supporting student success.
When will the campus close?
A lengthy process still lies ahead, including review and approval by the Minnesota State Board of Trustees. M State anticipates that the Detroit Lakes campus will remain open and operational until at least summer 2028.
What will happen to the building?
No final decision has been made regarding the future use of the facility. M State will continue honoring existing agreements while working with Minnesota State, community partners and other stakeholders to evaluate future options.
What does this mean for the Detroit Lakes community?
The decision to close the Detroit Lakes campus applies only to the existing campus facility, not to M State's commitment to serving local students, employers and communities. While our presence may look different in the future, M State intends to remain active and engaged in the Detroit Lakes area. The college will continue working with area healthcare providers, employers, high schools and community organizations to meet education and workforce needs in the community.