Associate of Arts Degree  

Students who work toward an associate degree take a variety of classes across disciplines. In-person evening classes are offered at the NCCC in Northfield. Online classes are also available.

Students can earn an associate degree in about two years. Having an associate degree makes you eligible for in-demand jobs, allows you to transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree, increases your career potential, and provides personal fulfillment. 

The associate degree consists of 60 credits. If you’d like to work toward a bachelor’s degree, which is traditionally earned in four years, you can transfer to a four-year institution after completing the 40 required credits that make up the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum.

All classes are taught by college professors and are offered through our partnership with Riverland Community College.

Minnesota State Transfer Pathway Degrees

Our partner, Riverland Community College, now offers degrees that are guaranteed to transfer to all seven Minnesota State universities, SAVING YOU THOUSANDS on your bachelor’s degree.

Through the program, students complete the first 60 credits at Riverland and then seamlessly transfer to complete the final 60 credits at any of the Minnesota State universities. Completing a Transfer Pathway degree guarantees:

  • Junior status to students who have been admitted to one of the seven Minnesota State universities.
  • The completion of a bachelor’s degree in 60 additional credits (for 120-credit programs).

Learn more here.

Northfield Teaching Fellows

Become a licensed teacher in Minnesota with Northfield Teaching Fellows! This program is a Grow Your Own program funded by the Minnesota Department of Education. It is intended to help Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) with a Northfield connection attain their Minnesota teaching license.

Applicants must be attending or planning to attend a Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board-approved (PELSB-approved) teacher preparation program.

Applicants must meet one or more of these criteria:

  • Have graduated from Northfield Public Schools
  • Be a parent of a current Northfield Public Schools student
  • Live within the Northfield Public School district boundaries; and/or
  • Be a current Northfield Public Schools employee

All chosen fellows will receive the following benefits:

  • Tuition assistance of up to $4,000/year
  • One-on-one advising support throughout the program
  • Stipend to assist with other living or college costs ($6,000/year)
  • Connection with a mentor teacher

Questions? Email teaching@hci-mn.org or fill out the NCCC interest form to get started working with an NCCC advisor.

Complete an application

Rice County Early Learning Fellows

Interested in becoming a teacher? Apply to be a Rice County Early Learning Fellow! This program is supported by the Minnesota Grow Your Own Grant and aims to increase the early childhood workforce in Rice County.

You are eligible to apply if you work for a Rice County-based early learning provider or live within the geographical boundaries of Rice County. Applications are considered three times a year: March 1, May 1, and October 1.

All chosen fellows will receive the following benefits:

  • Receive $5,000 a year toward early childhood degrees
  • Birth to third grade teacher license
  • Parent Education teacher license
  • Associate or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or child development
  • Connect with a learn from a local mentor educator
  • Support from a navigator who provides academic advising, financial aid assistance, connections with tutors, and connections to community resources

Questions? Email earlyteaching@hci-mn.org or fill out the NCCC interest form to get started working with an NCCC advisor.

Complete an application

Peace Officer/Public Safety Transfer Pathway

Earn an associate of science degree from Riverland Community College in three years. Financial aid available for full time or 3/4 time students, with additional scholarships for female-identifying students and students of color. Learn more here.