Ridgewater College

2101 15th Ave NW
Willmar, MN 56201

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 (33.2 miles away).

Top Placements

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

The student population of Ridgewater College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 27:1 has stayed the same over five years.
The Ridgewater College diversity score of 0.17 is less than the state average of 0.45. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat 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%	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

The public in-state tuition of $5,400 is less than the state average of $6,980. 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 $7,515. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.

In-State Tuition Fees	$5,400	$6,980

Out-State Tuition Fees	$5,400	$7,515

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid	84%	91%

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

Median Debt for Dropouts	$6,041	$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.

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

Related School Videos

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Did You Know?

For Minnesota public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $6,980 per year for in-state students and $7,515 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $16,383 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.

The average community college acceptance rate in Minnesota is 80%. Read more about national community college acceptance rates.

Minnesota community colleges have a diversity score of 0.45, which is lower than the national average of 0.65. The most diverse community college in Minnesota is Globe University-Minneapolis. Read more about community college diversity statistics in the USA.