If you take pride in bringing things back to life and enjoy hands-on, detailed work, collision repair could be the right path for you. Collision repair technicians restore damaged vehicles to like-new condition using a mix of technical skill, precision, and creativity. From repairing frames and panels to refinishing paint and matching colors, the job requires a good eye, steady hands, and problem-solving abilities. This career is ideal for people who are patient, detail-oriented, and enjoy seeing the results of their work every day. With more vehicles on the road than ever and new materials and technology being used in manufacturing, collision repair is a high-demand field that offers solid wages, job security, and opportunities to specialize in areas like custom paint, structural repair, or even insurance estimating.
Find the right college for you
Minnesota State has 25 colleges with transportation related program pathways. Below is the list of colleges that support these career pathways. Expand each one to see what each college offers!

Campus Location
3300 Century Ave N, White Bear Lake, MN 55110Degrees / Diplomas / Certificates
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Campus Location
1300 145th St E, Rosemount, MN 55068Degrees / Diplomas / Certificates
- Auto Body Collision Technology (DIP)
- Auto Body Collision Technology (AAS)
- Body Technician (CERT)
- Paint Preparation (CERT)
- Estimator (CERT)

Campus Location
9000 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445Degrees / Diplomas / Certificates
- Auto Body Technician (DIP)
- Auto Body Technician (AAS)
- Custom Fabrication and Finishing (CERT)
- Non-Structural Repair Technician Assistant (CERT)
- Refinishing Technician Assistant (CERT)
- Structural Repair Technician Assistant (CERT)


Campus Location
13100 College View Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55347Degrees / Diplomas / Certificates
- Auto Body Technician (DIP)
- Auto Body Technician (AAS)
- Custom Fabrication and Finishing (CERT)
- Non-Structural Repair Technician Assistant (CERT)
- Refinishing Technician Assistant (CERT)
- Structural Repair Technician Assistant (CERT)


Campus Location
1250 Homer Road, Winona, MN 55987Degrees / Diplomas / Certificates
- Auto Body Collision Technology (DIP)
- Auto Body Collision Technology (AAS)
- Auto Body Refinishing (CERT)
- Auto Body Sheet Metal Repair & Replacement (CERT)

Campus Location
1101 MN-1, Thief River Falls, MN 56701Degrees / Diplomas / Certificates
- Collision & Refinishing Technician (CERT)
- Sheet Metal Repair Technician (CERT)
- Auto Body Collision Technology (DIP)
- Auto Body Collision Technology (AAS)


Campus Location
2101 15th Ave NW, Willmar, MN 56201Degrees / Diplomas / Certificates
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Campus Location
1920 Lee Boulevard North Mankato, MN 56003Degrees / Diplomas / Certificates
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