Tribal university serving Ojibwe communities with career, cultural, and liberal arts education.
LCOOU offers 13 associate degree programs, technical diploma programs, certifications, and adult continuing education with a Native American perspective. The institution provides career, cultural, and liberal arts education with an open-door policy welcoming both traditional and non-traditional students. Master's degree programs include a Master of Business Management and Master of Human Services. The college maintains a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, enabling individualized attention and support. LCOOU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and maintains formal articulation and transfer agreements with University of Wisconsin, University of Minnesota, and other public institutions.
The main campus is located in rural Hayward, Wisconsin, with additional outreach sites serving geographically isolated populations. Student housing is being expanded with new single student dormitories completed in August 2025. The university provides student services including health services, financial aid, career services, and a community library. Extension programming offers Ojibwe traditional crafts, harvesting of traditional foods, and continuing education units. The institution emphasizes family-friendly support, recognizing the importance of balancing education with caregiving responsibilities.
LCOOU maintains an open-door admissions policy and welcomes both Native American and non-native students. The institution offers undergraduate applications, GED/HSED applications, early college credit programs, and graduate program admissions. Transfer agreements are in place with institutions including Marquette University, Minnesota State University–Mankato, UW-Madison, and College of St. Scholastica. Campus visits and information requests are available to prospective students.
Career Services assist students with career development through internship opportunities and job placement support. Paid internships are available at $15 per hour for up to 20 hours per week, with 2020–2021 data showing an 86% retention rate among interns. The university supports students in answering key career questions: Who am I? Where am I going? How do I get there? And how do I stay? Alumni relations are actively fostered through an alumni association and annual recognition events.