Coon Rapids Campus

Courses and programs are built around people first: small class sizes allow students to work closely with expert faculty—not teaching assistants—so learning is personal, engaging and hands-on. Professors mentor students and help them connect coursework to real careers and transfer opportunities.

Students often say that once they transfer to a university, they feel confident, prepared and academically equipped—a testament to the strength and rigor of an Anoka-Ramsey education. For many, Coon Rapids is a supportive and low-risk place to start: affordable, close to home, easy to navigate and designed for exploration without pressure.

Your whole story matters here. Support is designed for the the whole person—not just learners in a classroom. Every student has access to personalized guidance and services designed to support academic success, personal wellbeing and life beyond college. This wraparound approach ensures students feel seen, supported and empowered—especially during moments of transition or uncertainty.

Where campus and community connect. The Coon Rapids Campus proudly serves as a cultural gathering place for both students and the broader community. Serving as a regional hub for art, music, theatre and creative writing. At the heart of campus stands a one-thousand-square-foot community mural, designed by students and community members, celebrating creativity, connection and shared stories.

Anoka-Ramsey Community College began in 1965 with just 600 students, operating out of a wing of Centennial High School in Circle Pines. Just two years later, in 1967, the college moved to its newly-constructed Coon Rapids Campus, welcoming 1,373 students and becoming the first junior college campus in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Today, the Coon Rapids Campus spans more than 453,000 square feet, continuing its long-standing mission of access, affordability and academic excellence—while adapting to meet the needs of today’s students.