Quick Facts

• Location: Rosemount, Minnesota
• Address: 1300 145th St E, Rosemount, MN 55068
• School Type: Public Technical College / Minnesota State
• Programs Offered: Welding Technology, Electrical Construction & Maintenance, Electrical Lineworker, HVAC/R, Commercial HVAC/R, Automotive Service Technology, Heavy Duty Truck Technology, Industrial Engineering Technician, Construction Management and other career programs
• Training Style: Hands-on labs, certificates, diplomas and AAS degrees
• Tuition Range: Most current 2026–27 technical programs are roughly $212–$223 per credit before student fees; specific rates vary by program
• Program Length: About 9 months to 2 years, depending on program and credential
• Online Programs Available: Selected programs/courses
• Hybrid Learning: Program-dependent; major trades are primarily on campus
• Financial Aid: FAFSA, grants, federal loans, scholarships and work-study for qualifying students
• FAFSA School Code: 010402
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Average Rating: ⭐ 4.4 (134 Reviews)
• Website: Official DCTC website

Overview

Dakota County Technical College is one of Minnesota’s strongest schools for students interested in traditional skilled trades, transportation and industrial careers. Its Rosemount campus offers specialized programs in welding, electrical construction, linework, HVAC/R, automotive, heavy-duty diesel and industrial engineering.

DCTC is especially useful for students who want a clear occupational pathway rather than a broad general-education curriculum. Many programs provide multiple credential levels and publish detailed 2026–27 cost estimates including tuition, fees, textbooks, tools and other required expenses.

Programs Offered

Major trade programs include:

• Welding Technology
• Electrical Construction & Maintenance
• Electrical Lineworker
• HVAC & Refrigeration Technology
• Commercial HVAC/R Technology
• Automotive Service Technology
• Heavy Duty Truck Technology
• Industrial Engineering Technician
• Construction Management

Welding Technology

DCTC’s Welding Technology diploma is a 36-credit, nine-month program offered with daytime, afternoon and evening classes. Students train in SMAW, GMAW, FCAW and GTAW, along with oxy-fuel and plasma cutting. They also work with steel, stainless steel and aluminum and study fabrication, blueprint reading, welding math, visual inspection and safety.

For 2026–27, DCTC estimates:

• Tuition — $223.37/credit
• Student fees — $32.65/credit
• Textbooks — $375
• Tools/equipment — $1,050
• Estimated total — $10,641.72

The program also operates through an American Welding Society Accredited Test Facility.

Electrical Construction & Maintenance

Electrical Construction & Maintenance is offered as:

• 75-credit Diploma
• 81-credit AAS

Both are on-campus, full-time programs with fall or spring starts. Training covers electrical theory, residential/commercial/industrial installations, National Electrical Code, electrical apparatus, controls, PLCs and troubleshooting. The program is approved by the Minnesota State Board of Electricity.

Current 2026–27 estimated totals are:

• Diploma — $22,545.75
• AAS — $24,361.41

Graduates still need to meet Minnesota licensing and work-experience requirements where applicable.

Electrical Lineworker

DCTC’s Electrical Lineworker program is one of the school’s most distinctive trade options.

Students can complete:

• 45-credit Diploma
• 60-credit AAS

The program begins in July and includes extensive practical training in pole climbing, overhead and underground distribution, bucket-truck operation and power-line construction. An unrestricted Class A CDL is required for graduation and is incorporated into the curriculum.

Current 2026–27 estimated total costs are:

• Diploma — $19,848.70
• AAS — $24,181.60

Those figures include tuition, fees, textbooks, fall-arrest tools, CDL training, CPR/AED/First Aid and climbing equipment.

HVAC & Refrigeration

DCTC offers both a broader HVAC & Refrigeration pathway and a Commercial HVAC/R diploma.

The main HVAC/R program offers:

• 39-credit Diploma — estimated $13,466.74
• 60-credit AAS — estimated $18,804.60

The 38-credit Commercial HVAC/R diploma has a current estimated total of $12,922.08.

Training includes heating, cooling, commercial refrigeration, electrical systems, controls, diagnostics and preparation for refrigerant-handling certification.

Automotive Service Technology

Automotive Service Technology is a 77-credit AAS covering vehicle diagnosis, service and repair.

For 2026–27, DCTC estimates:

• Tuition — $212.01/credit
• Student fees — $32.65/credit
• Textbooks — $850
• Tools — $3,182.40
• Uniforms — $136
• Estimated total — $23,007.22

Heavy Duty Truck Technology

Students can choose:

• 27-credit Truck Fleet Maintenance Certificate
• 70-credit Heavy Duty Truck Diploma
• 78-credit Heavy Duty Truck AAS

Training covers diesel engines, electrical/electronic systems, emissions, steering, air brakes, transmissions, drivetrains, welding, HVAC and preventive maintenance. The program is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation.

Industrial Engineering Technician

The 60-credit Industrial Engineering Technician AAS combines mechanical systems with modern manufacturing automation, including process controls, mechatronics, robotics, motors and industrial equipment.

The current 2026–27 estimated total is $16,579.60.

Tuition & Financial Aid

DCTC tuition varies by program. For example:

• Standard HVAC/industrial programs — around $212.01/credit
• Electrical Construction — $219.96/credit
• Welding — $223.37/credit

Student fees are generally another $32.65 per credit, before program-specific expenses.

Financial aid options include FAFSA-based aid, federal Stafford loans, scholarships and work-study. DCTC says more than $200,000 in foundation scholarships are made available annually.

Why Students Choose This School

• Strong selection of traditional skilled trades
• Nine-month welding program
• Dedicated electrical lineworker pathway
• Electrical program approved by Minnesota regulators
• HVAC/R and commercial HVAC options
• ASE-accredited heavy-duty truck training
• Detailed 2026–27 cost information
• Certificates, diplomas and AAS degrees
• Multiple high-demand programs

Career Opportunities

Graduates may pursue entry-level roles such as:

• Welder/Fabricator
• Electrician Apprentice
• Electrical Technician
• Lineworker Apprentice
• HVAC/R Technician
• Automotive Technician
• Diesel Technician
• Heavy-Truck Technician
• Industrial Maintenance Technician
• Automation Technician

Licensing and apprenticeship requirements vary by trade.

Student Reviews

Based on your supplied Google data:

⭐ Average Rating: 4.4 (134 Reviews)

Because DCTC offers many unrelated technical programs, applicants should prioritize recent reviews about their specific department.

Enrollment Tips

Several DCTC trades are explicitly marked high demand, including Electrical Construction, Electrical Lineworker, HVAC/R, Industrial Engineering and Welding, so early application is worthwhile.

Lineworker applicants should pay particular attention to the physical and licensing requirements. Students must pass an introductory climbing course before progressing, and an unrestricted Class A CDL is required for graduation.

Bottom Line

Dakota County Technical College should be a top featured school on the Minnesota page. Few institutions in the state combine welding, electrical construction, lineworker, HVAC, automotive, diesel and industrial automation at this level. Its transparent 2026–27 program costs are another major advantage for students comparing schools.