- Riverland Community College is a public community college with three campuses in southeastern Minnesota: Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna. Founded in 1940, Riverland offers educational programs and courses to over 4,900 students annually through traditional, hybrid, and online delivery systems.
School Highlights
Riverland Community College serves 3,959 students (30% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 47:1 is higher than the state community college average of 36:1.
Minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 43%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 3,959 students
- In-state tuition: $5,522
- Out-state tuition: $5,522
- Student-teacher ratio: 47:1
- Minority enrollment: 33%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Riverland Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Completion Rates
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 84 teachers has declined by 56% over five years.
Riverland Community College
(MN) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
0
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
4
Institution Control
Public
0
Total Faculty
84 staff
94 staff
Number of Programs Offered
-2
52
Student Body
The student population of Riverland Community College has grown by 13% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 47:1 has increased from 18:1 over five years.
The Riverland Community College diversity score of 0.52 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 24% over five years.
Total Enrollment
3,959 students
2,882 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
47:1
36:1
# Full-Time Students
1,169 students
1,168 students
# Part-Time Students
2,790 students
1,714 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
208 students
301 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,169 students
1,143 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
51 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
2,790 students
1,699 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
4 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
96 students
124 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
1%
% Asian
4%
6%
% Hispanic
13%
8%
% Black
6%
16%
% White
67%
57%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
2%
4%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
6%
7%
Diversity Score
0.52
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
48%
34%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$34,400
$36,900
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $5,522 is less than the state average of $5,530. The in-state tuition has declined by 8% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,522 is less than the state average of $6,060. The out-state tuition has declined by 8% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,522
$5,530
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,522
$6,060
Tuition Notes
$209.90 for Minnesota Residents
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
91%
87%
Median Debt for Graduates
$12,000
$12,750
Median Debt for Dropouts
$7,359
$6,752
Acceptance Rate
n/a
90%
SAT Reading
n/a
625
SAT Math
n/a
600
SAT Writing
n/a
565
ACT Composite
n/a
24
ACT English
n/a
24
ACT Math
n/a
24
ACT Writing
n/a
8
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Our locations in Albert Lea, Austin, and at the Owatonna College & University Center provide easy access to more than 50 career programs or the first two years of a bachelor's degree. Our partnerships with other colleges and universities also allow our students to earn bachelor's degrees without having to leave southern Minnesota. Our support services help students improve study skills, locate resources, resolve personal issues, make strong career decisions, pay for college, or arrange the details of a smooth college transfer. The college offers more than 55 career programs or 32 transfer programs. These include technical programs that train students for great jobs in as little as nine months and liberal arts degrees that easily transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Students may select from a variety of programs and earn associate degrees, diplomas and certificates. The Austin Campus of Riverland Community College includes the Austin East and West Buildings and College Park Student Housing. On this campus, students pursue career and liberal arts majors in a small-town collegiate atmosphere. Austin is a community of more than 20,000 with extensive parks, shopping and recreation opportunities for students. Opportunities in theatre, music, clubs, intercollegiate sports, and student government provide an easy way to meet new friends, share talents, develop leadership skills, and make dreams happen. In every program, our students have access to state-of-the-art technologies. Interactive television and online classes make learning accessible despite the challenges of time and location. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Riverland Community College cost?
Riverland Community College's tuition is approximately $5,522 for In-State students and $5,522 for Out-State students.
What is Riverland Community College's ranking?
Riverland Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Minnesota for: Highest completion rates and Least debt for graduating students.
School Calendar
View the Riverland Community College yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Last day to drop with 100% refund
August 28, 2026 (Friday)
Last day to total withdraw with 75% refund
September 04, 2026 (Friday)
Last day to total withdraw with 25% refund
September 21, 2026 (Monday)
Recent Articles
Community Colleges and the Creator Economy
Explore how community colleges prepare students for YouTube, podcasting, content creation, and creator economy careers.
AI-Augmented Careers and Community Colleges
Explore AI-augmented careers and how community colleges prepare students with practical skills, credentials, and employer-aligned training.
Catholic School Marketing Strategies in Competitive Choice Markets
Learn effective Catholic school marketing strategies for standing out in competitive school choice markets in 2026.
