Cotter Students Save Thousands Through Expanded College Credit Opportunities

Cotter Schools continues to expand access to college-level coursework, helping students earn significant college credit while still in high school and saving families substantial tuition costs.

During the 2025–26 school year, Cotter invested $36,000 to offer College-to-Career (C2C) courses on campus through Minnesota State College Southeast, made possible in part through generous support from the Hiawatha Education Foundation (HEF). These courses allow students to earn a transcript with college credits, build career-ready skills, and begin their postsecondary pathways with a strong academic advantage.

C2C courses at Cotter Schools include: CNA Training, Nutrition, Anatomy & Physiology, Precalculus, Calculus, United States History, Language & Composition, Literature & Composition, Statistics, Business Ethics, and Principles of Management.

During the past school year, Cotter students participated in 319 enrollments across nine C2C courses, collectively earning 1,013 college credits and gaining a valuable head start on their college education.

The financial impact for families is significant. The college transcript credits earned by Cotter students would have cost more than $217,000 at a regional community college and nearly $1.6 million at a private university. Based on Winona State University tuition, the estimated savings total approximately $325,000.

“Our students are able to remain on the Cotter campus while earning college credits, which strengthens our school community and enhances their educational experience,” said Cotter President Mary Eileen Fitch. “Several of our graduates have entered college with sophomore-level standing. These credits can allow students to complete college in as little as three years, resulting in significant savings for families. They also provide opportunities for students to pursue double majors, study abroad, or earn additional certificates during their college years.”

Through expanded access to rigorous, college-credit-bearing courses taught by highly qualified Cotter faculty, the school advances its mission to “challenge students to achieve their full potential and use their lives in service of others.”