Ridgewater College

2101 15th Ave NW
Willmar, MN 56201

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 3,298 students (56% of students are full-time).

The college's student:teacher ratio of 24:1 is lower than the state community college average of 29:1.

Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 37%.

The teacher population of 138 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.

	Ridgewater College	(MN) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification	Associate's Colleges: High Vocational & Technical-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional	Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Vocational & Technical-High Traditional
Institution Level	At least 2 but less than 4 years	At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control	Public	Public
Total Faculty	138 staff	73 staff

The student population of Ridgewater College has declined by 12% over five years.

The student:teacher ratio of 24:1 has increased from 16:1 over five years.

The Ridgewater College diversity score of 0.38 is less than the state average of 0.58. The school's diversity has grown by 124% over five years.

Total Enrollment	3,298 students	1,859 students

Student : Teacher Ratio	24:1	29:1

# Full-Time Students	1,839 students	843 students

# Part-Time Students	1,459 students	1,016 students


% American Indian/Alaskan	-	1%

% Asian	1%	6%

% Hispanic	8%	6%

% Black	4%	11%

% White	78%	63%

% Two or more races	3%	4%

% Non Resident races	3%	3%
% Unknown races	3%	6%

Diversity Score	0.38	0.58

College Completion Rate	43%	32%

Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)	$35,300	$35,400

The public in-state tuition of $5,400 is less than the state average of $6,639. 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 $7,204. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.

In-State Tuition Fees	$5,400	$6,639

Out-State Tuition Fees	$5,400	$7,204

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid	85%	85%

Median Debt for Graduates	$12,000	$13,350

Median Debt for Dropouts	$6,167	$7,508

Source: 2019 (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.

The nearest community college to Ridgewater College is Minnesota West Community and Technical College (33.2 miles away).