Ridgewater College
- 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 3,176 students (55% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the state community college average of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 31%.
Quick Stats (2023)
- Enrollment: 3,176 students
- In-state tuition: $5,400
- Out-state tuition: $5,400
- Student:teacher ratio: 14:1
- Minority enrollment: 16%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 230 teachers has grown by 66% over five years.
Ridgewater College
(MN) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
230 staff
153 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Ridgewater College has declined by 5% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 has stayed the same over five years.
The Ridgewater College diversity score of 0.29 is less than the state average of 0.50. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
3,176 students
2,500 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
16:1
# Full-Time Students
1,752 students
1,076 students
# Part-Time Students
1,424 students
1,424 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
248 students
309 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,752 students
1,058 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
52 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,424 students
1,331 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
24 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
112 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
1%
% Asian
1%
7%
% Hispanic
8%
7%
% Black
4%
9%
% White
84%
69%
% Two or more races
2%
4%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
n/a
2%
Diversity Score
0.29
0.50
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
44%
32%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.97%
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 $5,701. The in-state tuition has declined by 6% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,400 is less than the state average of $6,336. The out-state tuition has declined by 6% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,400
$5,701
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,400
$6,336
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
94%
94%
Median Debt for Graduates
$12,000
$12,264
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,931
$6,747
Acceptance Rate
n/a
91%
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
23
ACT Writing
n/a
8
Source: 2021 (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.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Ridgewater College is Minnesota West Community and Technical College (33.2 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Students
1593 11th Ave
Granite Falls, MN 56241
(800) 658-2330
Granite Falls, MN 56241
(800) 658-2330
33.2 miles
| 3,253 students
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
| 3,927 students
1601 Jefferson Streeet
Alexandria, MN 56308
(320) 762-0221
Alexandria, MN 56308
(320) 762-0221
52.7 miles
| 2,549 students
1540 Northway Drive
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 308-5000
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 308-5000
53.1 miles
| 3,931 students
Anoka Technical College
Public
1355 Highway 10 West
Anoka, MN 55303
(763) 433-1100
Anoka, MN 55303
(763) 433-1100
80.8 miles
| 1,683 students
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