Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 44.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $43,827
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 58.4%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $127/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $67,660 | |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $63,005 | $15,015 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,109 | $15,250 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $52,107 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $42,363 | $9,750 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $41,937 | |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Certificate | $37,208 | $10,779 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $36,560 | $9,885 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $33,565 | $22,399 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $29,443 | $13,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $28,236 | $10,960 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $25,967 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $25,658 | $9,500 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $24,421 | $18,048 |
Outcomes Overview
Ridgewater graduates earn a median of $43,827 after ten years, which creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of just 27% with typical debt of $12,000. Monthly loan payments of $127 represent only 3.5% of median income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The 95.9% employment rate reflects strong job placement in central Minnesota's agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Many graduates find work as dental hygienists, welders, or agricultural technicians, fields where two-year degrees often lead directly to middle-class careers. With tuition at $6,109 and relatively low debt loads, this represents a strong return on investment for students seeking practical skills training.