Mankato & North Mankato have a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) population of 98,000 and are located 75 miles south of Minneapolis / St. Paul, and 80 miles west of Rochester, MN. The Clinic’s surrounding service area has a population of about 250,000. Mankato is situated in a rich agricultural setting, where residents enjoy year-round recreational choices on numerous area rivers and lakes. The local economy is well-balanced with retail, higher-education, manufacturing and service industries. Mankato is home to several higher education opportunities at Minnesota State University-Mankato, Bethany Lutheran College and South Central Community College, with a combined enrollment of over 18,000. MSU-Mankato offers a variety of advanced educational opportunities including Baccalaureate Degree in Registered Nursing and Doctoral Nurse Practitioner (DNP) degrees. Gustavus Adolphus College, located in nearby St. Peter, MN is one of the nation’s premier liberal arts colleges with an enrollment of over 2,500. The Clinic actively supports and participates in teaching in their academic programs. Mankato public schools rank in the top 17% nationally and academically excellent private school options.