Ridgewater College
Tel:
(800)722-1151
- 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 3,753 students (55% of students are full-time).
- The college's student:teacher ratio of 27:1 is lower than the state community college average of 30:1.
- Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 27%.
- Ridgewater College is the only community colleges within Kandiyohi County, MN.
- The nearest community college to Ridgewater College is Minnesota West Community and Technical College (33.0 miles away).
Top Placements
Ridgewater College places among the top 20% of community colleges in Minnesota for:
- Category Attribute
- Completion Rates Highest completion rates
- Debt For Students Least debt for graduating students
School Overview
- The teacher population of 138 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
| Ridgewater College | (MN) Community College Avg. | |
| Institution Level | At least 2 but less than 4 years | Four or more years |
| Institution Control | Public | Public |
| Total Faculty | 138 staff | 56 staff |
| Total Enrollment | 3,753 students | 1,302 students |
 | ||
| Student : Teacher Ratio | 27:1 | 30:1 |
| # Full-Time Students | 2,063 students | 768 students |
| # Part-Time Students | 1,690 students | 534 students |
 |  | |
| % American Indian/Alaskan | - | 1% |
| % Asian | - | 5% |
| % Hispanic | 4% | 5% |
| % Black | 2% | 9% |
| % White | 91% | 73% |
| % Two or more races | 2% | 3% |
 |  | |
| Diversity Score | 0.17 | 0.45 |
 | ||
| College Completion Rate | 42% | 30% |
| Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years) | $35,300 | $35,400 |
Source: 2016 (or latest year available) IPEDS
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.
Nearby Schools
- The nearest community college to Ridgewater College is Minnesota West Community and Technical College (33.0 miles away).
- College Location Mi. Students
- 3,182 students | 33.00 Mi1593 11th Ave
Granite Falls, MN 56241
(800)658-2330 33.003,182 - 218 students | 49.60 Mi1201 2nd Street South
Waite Park, MN 56387
(320)257-2000 49.60218 - Rasmussen College-MinnesotaPrivate, for profit5,395 students | 50.50 Mi226 Park Avenue South
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
(320)251-5600 50.505,395 - 3,811 students | 52.70 Mi1601 Jefferson Streeet
Alexandria, MN 56308
52.703,811 - 4,924 students | 53.00 Mi1540 Northway Drive
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320)308-5000 53.004,924
Recent Articles
Complaints about the current system of accrediting community colleges, combined with the quickly changing scope of community college education and how it’s delivered, may soon necessitate changes in the way that community college programs are accredited.
Community college enrollment is in decline, but some schools are refusing to roll over. Read on to learn the factors impacting enrollment rates and what some schools are doing to stay afloat.
In a time of change, the LGBTQ community is receiving more support than ever and the world is changing with each passing year. As a young adult member of the LGBTQ community, you have unique opportunities to take advantage of when preparing to enter college if you choose to. Keep reading to learn what you can expect to see during your college search and how best to prepare for your freshman year.
