Ridgewater College: $6,109 Tuition

$6,109Tuition

2,048Students

45%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$43,827Earnings

#25 in MinnesotaPublic2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Ridgewater College

Ridgewater College serves 2,048 students in Willmar, Minnesota, focusing on practical career training and transfer preparation. This community and technical college operates in a remote town setting, drawing almost exclusively from Minnesota with 94.88% of students coming from in-state. The school has built its reputation around hands-on programs that prepare students for immediate employment or smooth transfer to four-year universities. Since opening in 1996, Ridgewater has maintained strong ties to local employers and agriculture, reflecting the economic needs of central Minnesota.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $10,955, which stays the same whether you're from Minnesota or elsewhere since tuition runs $6,109 for everyone. Graduates typically earn $43,827 ten years after starting, while carrying a median debt load of just $12,000. That translates to monthly loan payments of only $127, making this one of the more affordable paths to career training. The employment rate hits 95.9%, meaning nearly all graduates find work quickly after completing their programs.

Women make up 62.40% of the student body, and the school fields five varsity sports teams through the NCCAA with 71 total athletes. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get personal attention in smaller classes typical of community colleges.

Academics & Faculty

Ridgewater College focuses on career-ready programs that prepare students for Minnesota's job market, with strong technical training in areas like nursing, manufacturing, and agricultural technology. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get more personal attention than at a four-year university, though the 44.90% graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students juggle work and family responsibilities while studying part-time. As a community and technical college, Ridgewater specializes in two-year associate degrees and certificates that lead directly to employment. Students here often choose programs based on local industry needs, from healthcare to agriculture, making it a practical choice for those wanting to enter the workforce quickly or transfer to a four-year school.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 58.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 44.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $43,827

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians.	Certificate	$67,660
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$63,005
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$54,109
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$52,107
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$42,363
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers.	Certificate	$41,937
Agricultural Business and Management.	Certificate	$37,208
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Certificate	$36,560
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$33,565
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$29,443

View all 81 programs →

Campus Life

Ridgewater College sits in Willmar, a farming town about 100 miles west of Minneapolis. With 2,048 students spread across two campuses, this feels like a close-knit community where professors know your name. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means you won't get lost in huge lecture halls. Most students are local (94.88% come from Minnesota) and commute from nearby towns rather than living on campus.

Winters here are serious business. You'll need heavy coats, boots, and a car with good tires from November through March. The college draws students who want practical training for real jobs. Many juggle classes with work since 62.40% are women, often returning to school or starting families. Weekends tend to be quiet as students head home or work part-time jobs. The Warriors compete in five sports with 71 total athletes, but this isn't a school known for big game-day crowds. Students here are focused on getting their two-year degrees and moving into careers or transferring to four-year schools.

Setting: Town-Remote
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1996

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 2°–21°F
July Avg: 61°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 29.5"
Annual Snowfall: 46.3"

Student Demographics

Ridgewater draws students who want practical training close to home. With 95% of students coming from Minnesota, this is clearly a local college serving central Minnesota families. The student body is 62% women, which reflects the school's strong programs in healthcare, education, and human services that traditionally attract more female students. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families looking for affordable career preparation. Most students are older than typical college age, often returning to school for new skills or career changes.

Men: 37.6%
Women: 62.4%
White: 76.1%
Black: 4.1%
Hispanic: 13.8%
Asian: 1.5%
In-State Students: 94.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.5%

Location

Ridgewater College sits in Willmar, Minnesota, about 100 miles west of Minneapolis. This small agricultural city of around 20,000 people serves as a regional center for west-central Minnesota's farming communities. The area is flat prairie land dotted with lakes, including nearby Green Lake. Willmar feels more like a rural town than a college community, with most students commuting from surrounding counties rather than living on campus. The 94.88% in-state enrollment reflects the college's role serving local residents who want affordable career training without leaving the region. The nearest major shopping or entertainment options require a drive to the Twin Cities metro area. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Ridgewater College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Willmar, Minnesota 56201

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $43,827
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,511
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 58.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Ridgewater College?

Ridgewater College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of Minnesota's community and technical colleges, accepting students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 2,048 students primarily from Minnesota, with 94.88% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for local students seeking affordable technical training and transfer preparation.

How much does Ridgewater College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,955 annually, regardless of whether they're from Minnesota or out-of-state since tuition is $6,109 for everyone. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically leave with just $12,000 in debt. The affordable pricing reflects the college's mission to provide accessible career training in rural Minnesota.

What academic programs is Ridgewater College known for?

Ridgewater College specializes in technical and career-focused programs that prepare students for immediate employment in fields like healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing. With an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students get personalized attention in hands-on learning environments. The college operates as part of Minnesota's community and technical college system, emphasizing practical skills training.

What job outcomes do Ridgewater College graduates achieve?

Graduates earn a median salary of $43,827 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 95.9% employment rate. The college's 44.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or transfer to four-year institutions. Strong regional employer partnerships help connect students to jobs in central Minnesota's agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

Where is Ridgewater College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Willmar, Minnesota, a town-remote setting that offers a close-knit community atmosphere. With 62.40% female enrollment and a predominantly white student body at 76.12%, the campus reflects the demographics of rural Minnesota. The Warriors compete in five varsity sports through the NCCAA, though with only 71 total athletes, athletics plays a smaller role than academics.

Does Ridgewater College offer good value for working adults?

The college serves many non-traditional students, evidenced by its flexible programming and focus on career training since its founding in 1996. With monthly loan payments averaging just $127 and a 58.35% loan repayment rate, graduates can manage debt while building careers. The college's technical focus and regional connections make it particularly valuable for adults seeking career changes or advancement.