In November 1962, the Central Committee and the Party decided to maintain the Northwest Autonomous Region and re-establish Son La province and Lai Chau province.

One year later, on October 15th, 1963, the Ethnic Minority Pedagogical School was established based on separation from the Pedagogical School of the Northwest Territories. The school was located at Pan village, Chieng Ly commune, Thuan Chau district, Son La province, and was headed by Mr. Tran Huu Dung.

In 1969, the school, led by Mr. Lac Long Khoa, was moved to Hua La commune, Son La town.

In 1972, the school was upgraded from the Provincial Ethnic Minority Pedagogical School I to the Son La Pedagogical High School under the leadership of Mr. Vu Khac Noi. In early October 1972, the school was moved to a new location in Nam La village, Hat Lot commune, Mai Son district, and then continued to be improved and strengthened in all aspects.

In 1976, the school, led by Mr. Tran Viet Oanh, took over all facilities of the Provincial Party Committee - People's Council - People's Committee in Dom village, Hat Lot town, Mai Son. Then, under the leadership of Mr. Tran Quang An, the school's teaching staff has developed relatively enough in quantity, sharp in quality, and synchronous in framework.

In 1980, the Highland Pedagogical School was merged with the Provincial Pedagogical High School. With the achievement of 20 years of construction and growth, the school was awarded Third-class Labor Medal from the Party and State. In the 1990s, the school, led by Master Khuc Nang Do, was honored to receive the Second-class Labor Medal in 1993.

In 1999, the school was moved to Son La town (currently in Group 2, Chieng Sinh ward, Son La city).

In 2000, the school was upgraded to Son La Pedagogical College based on merging with the Pre-Kindergarten School and the Provincial School of Education Managers.

In 2008, the school was headed by Mr. Nguyen Huy Hoang. During this time, with the support of the Provincial Party Committee, People's Council, and Provincial People's Committee, the school was approved to change its name to Sơn La college by the Ministry of Education and Training to respond the orientation of multi-disciplinary and multi-vocational training, creating a solid foundation for industrialization and modernization, significantly contributing to the realization of socio-economic goals of the province.

In 2019, Nong Lam College was merged with Son La College and led by Mr. Luu Binh Khiem.

In 2021, the school has been led by Mr. Nguyen Duc Long as the Principal.