Ridgewater College

2101 15th Ave NW
Willmar, MN 56201-0000

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 is Minnesota West Community and Technical College (33.00 miles away).

The student population of 3,753 has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 27:1 has increased from 17:1 over five years.
The school's diversity score of 0.17 is less than the state average of 0.45. The school's diversity has declined by 10% over five years.

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%	8%

% White	91%	73%

% Two or more races	2%	3%


Diversity ScoreThe chance that two students selected at random would be members of a different ethnic group. Scored from 0 to 1, a diversity score closer to 1 indicates a more diverse student body.	0.17	0.45

College Completion Rate	42%	30%

Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)	$35,300	$35,800

The public in-state tuition of $5,400 is less than the state average of $6,979. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,400 is less than the state average of $7,514. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.

In-State Tuition Fees	$5,400	$6,979

Out-State Tuition Fees	$5,400	$7,514

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid	84%	89%

Median Debt for Graduates	$12,000	$15,511

Median Debt for Dropouts	$6,042	$7,600

Source: 2016 (or latest year available) IPEDS

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.