- Ridgewater College is a comprehensive community and technical college offering education designed for transfer to a university as well as technical programs intended for direct entry into the workforce. Located in central Minnesota, Ridgewater has campuses in Hutchinson and Willmar. We are one of outstate Minnesota's largest public colleges, and are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Ridgewater College provides quality learning opportunities for students in accessible, affordable, and supportive settings.
School Highlights
Ridgewater College serves 3,148 students (48% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 29:1 is lower than the state community college average of 36:1.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 43%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 3,148 students
- In-state tuition: $5,400
- Out-state tuition: $5,400
- Student-teacher ratio: 29:1
- Minority enrollment: 23%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Ridgewater College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 107 teachers has declined by 53% over five years.
Ridgewater 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
107 staff
94 staff
Number of Programs Offered
-2
52
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Ridgewater College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 29:1 has increased from 14:1 over five years.
The Ridgewater College diversity score of 0.39 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 36% over five years.
Total Enrollment
3,148 students
2,882 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
29:1
36:1
# Full-Time Students
1,515 students
1,168 students
# Part-Time Students
1,633 students
1,714 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
207 students
301 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,515 students
1,143 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
51 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,633 students
1,699 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
4 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
124 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
1%
% Asian
2%
6%
% Hispanic
11%
8%
% Black
4%
16%
% White
77%
57%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
2%
4%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
3%
7%
Diversity Score
0.39
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
45%
34%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$35,300
$36,900
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $5,400 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 $5,400 is less than the state average of $6,060. The out-state tuition has declined by 8% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,400
$5,530
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,400
$6,060
Tuition Notes
$204.03 per credit
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
81%
87%
Median Debt for Graduates
$12,000
$12,750
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,931
$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
- Ridgewater College is a community and technical college that offers more than 100 educational programs in Transfer Education, transfer options, and technical education. Ridgewater College serves more than 5500 students on its campuses in the growing communities of Willmar and Hutchinson, Minnesota. Ridgewater College also offers some programs that are unique in the state of Minnesota and nationally. Small class sizes, up-to-date technology, and access to many student activities and organizations (including intercollegiate sports, choir, theater, and Student Senate) give students the opportunity to enjoy a positive college experience. Ridgewater College is proud of its scholarship foundation, and excellent graduation and job placement rates. Ridgewater College is recognized as an educational leader that exemplifies innovation and excellence within a student-centered learning environment, and is dedicated to providing an accessible, affordable, and supportive setting for all students. At Ridgewater College, students are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of activities including: arts, athletics, student government, theater, music, clubs, and organizations (offerings differ by campus). Ridgewater College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Ridgewater College cost?
Ridgewater College's tuition is approximately $5,400 for In-State students and $5,400 for Out-State students.
What is Ridgewater College's ranking?
Ridgewater College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Minnesota for: Least debt for graduating students.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Ridgewater College is Minnesota West Community and Technical College (33.2 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
1593 11th Ave
Granite Falls, MN 56241
(800) 658-2330
Granite Falls, MN 56241
(800) 658-2330
33.2 miles
Enrollment: 3,695 students Student-teacher ratio: 37:1 In-state tuition: $5,660 Out-state tuition: $10,807 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rasmussen University-Minnesota
Private for-profit
226 Park Avenue South
St. Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 251-5600
St. Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 251-5600
50.6 miles
Enrollment: 9,416 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Private-state tuition: $10,764 Minority enrollment: 59%
1601 Jefferson Streeet
Alexandria, MN 56308
(320) 762-0221
Alexandria, MN 56308
(320) 762-0221
52.7 miles
Enrollment: 4,704 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Acceptance rate: 100% In-state tuition: $6,115 Out-state tuition: $6,115 Minority enrollment: 15%
1540 Northway Drive
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 308-5000
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 308-5000
53.1 miles
Enrollment: 4,030 students Student-teacher ratio: 35:1 In-state tuition: $5,308 Out-state tuition: $5,308 Minority enrollment: 37%
Anoka Technical College
Public
1355 Highway 10 West
Anoka, MN 55303
(763) 433-1100
Anoka, MN 55303
(763) 433-1100
80.8 miles
Enrollment: 1,970 students Student-teacher ratio: 30:1 In-state tuition: $5,590 Out-state tuition: $5,590 Minority enrollment: 40%
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.
