Tri-College University (TCU), a consortium of regional colleges, will discontinue operations as of Dec. 31, 2024, due to significant changes in the higher education environment.

Officially incorporated in 1970, TCU was created as a consortium of Concordia College, Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) and North Dakota State University (NDSU), and later joined by Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) and North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS).

A task force will begin meeting in January 2024 to outline a new process for academic collaboration between Concordia College, North Dakota State University, Minnesota State University Moorhead, M State and North Dakota State College of Science.

The current collaboration model, Tri-College University, will discontinue operations as of December 31, 2024. 

The decision stems from a higher education environment that has changed significantly since TCU’s inception.

• Educational opportunities are more accessible because of advanced learning technologies.

• Course exchange among institutions requires less administration since TCU’s inception.

• Budget constraints require schools to find cost savings across their institutions.

Students may continue to use Tri-College to take courses at other institutions through 2024. After that, they will use a new process. 

Academic advisors will continue helping students navigate registration.

“TCU was an innovative and unique collaboration that has exceptionally served our students and community,” said Tri-College University Provost Tim Flakoll. “A new model will decentralize services and administration and campuses will continue to work to ensure student access to courses and enhance the student experience in cost effective ways at our premier campuses. I look forward to working with stakeholders to continue to innovate and advance higher education.”