Riverland Community College: $6,250 Tuition

$6,250Tuition

1,895Students

53%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,247Earnings

#10 in MinnesotaPublic2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Riverland Community College

Riverland Community College serves 1,895 students in Austin, Minnesota, a town surrounded by farmland and the headquarters of Hormel Foods. The college has built a strong reputation for practical career training since 1940. Students come here for nursing, agriculture, business, and skilled trades programs that connect directly to regional employers. With 91% of students coming from in-state, this is where southern Minnesota residents start their college journey or retrain for new careers.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $8,463 after aid, with lower-income families paying around $7,012. Graduates earn a median of $45,247 ten years after starting, making the typical debt load of $12,000 very reasonable. Monthly loan payments average just $127. The employment rate of 93.7% shows that students find work after completing their programs.

The Blue Devils field five varsity sports with 80 total athletes, creating a small but spirited campus atmosphere. Women make up 53% of the student body, and the campus reflects Minnesota's changing demographics with 19% Hispanic students and 8% Black students. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students by name, not just ID number.

Academics & Faculty

Riverland Community College serves as a practical stepping stone for students seeking career training or university transfer preparation. The college maintains a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors across its programs. With a 53% six-year graduation rate, about half of students complete their educational goals within the expected timeframe. Riverland focuses heavily on workforce development, offering programs that prepare students for immediate employment in southern Minnesota's agricultural and manufacturing sectors. The college emphasizes hands-on learning in fields like nursing, agriculture, and skilled trades. Many students use Riverland as an affordable pathway to four-year universities, taking advantage of transfer agreements with regional institutions while keeping costs manageable.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Full-Time Faculty: 51.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 53.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,247

Campus Life

Austin sits about 100 miles south of Minneapolis, giving Riverland students access to a mid-sized farming community surrounded by Minnesota's rolling prairie. With 1,895 students spread across a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll find classrooms that feel more personal than overwhelming. Minnesota winters demand serious coats and boots, while summers bring humid heat that makes the campus's modern facilities a welcome retreat.

Most students commute from the surrounding area, with 90.93% coming from in-state. The Blue Devils compete in five NCCAA sports with 80 total athletes, creating a tight-knit athletic community even without scholarship funding. Weekends often revolve around Austin's connection to the Hormel Foods headquarters, giving the town an industrial backbone that provides internship opportunities. The 93.7% employment rate reflects strong ties to local agriculture and food processing industries. Students typically balance classes with part-time work, taking advantage of the $6,250 tuition rate that keeps debt manageable. The median debt of $12,000 makes this an affordable pathway to career training or transfer preparation.

Setting: Town-Distant
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1940

Campus Safety (2023)

4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Dating Violence	1	1
Burglary	1	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 4°–22°F
July Avg: 60°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 34.6"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Austin's Hormel plant and agricultural community shape Riverland's student body. Nine in ten students come from Minnesota, reflecting the college's role as a regional workforce pipeline. The school draws a diverse population for rural Minnesota, with nearly four in ten students from Black and Hispanic communities. Women slightly outnumber men, likely due to strong nursing and health programs. About one-quarter receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves working families seeking affordable career training. This mix creates a practical, community-focused environment where students pursue technical skills and healthcare credentials.

Men: 47.1%
Women: 52.9%
White: 60.6%
Black: 8.2%
Hispanic: 19.2%
Asian: 4.4%
In-State Students: 90.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 26.5%

Location

Austin, Minnesota sits about 100 miles south of Minneapolis-St. Paul in the state's southeastern corner. The town of 25,000 residents is famous as the headquarters of Hormel Foods, maker of SPAM and other meat products. Austin's economy revolves around agriculture and food processing, giving students practical connections to these industries. The surrounding area features rolling farmland and is close to the Iowa border. With 90.93% of Riverland's students coming from in-state, most are familiar with this rural Minnesota setting. The campus serves as an educational center for the broader agricultural region. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Riverland Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Austin, Minnesota 55912-1473

Riverland Community College Austin Campus

Riverland Community College Albert Lea Campus

Riverland Community College Owatonna Campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,247
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 47.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Riverland Community College?

Riverland Community College maintains open admission policies typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of high school performance. The college serves 1,895 students primarily from Minnesota, with 90.93% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes Riverland a popular entry point for students beginning their higher education journey or seeking career training.

How much does Riverland Community College cost after financial aid?

Students at Riverland pay an average net price of $8,463 annually, with tuition set at $6,250 for both in-state and out-of-state students. About 26.49% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically leave with a manageable $12,000 in debt. The low cost structure reflects the college's mission to provide affordable workforce training in southern Minnesota.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Riverland Community College?

Riverland maintains a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, which is typical for community colleges focused on practical career preparation. The college emphasizes hands-on learning and workforce development rather than traditional liberal arts education. Classes tend to be structured around preparing students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year institutions.

What are the employment outcomes for Riverland Community College graduates?

Riverland boasts a strong 93.7% employment rate for graduates, reflecting its focus on career-oriented programs. Graduates earn a median of $45,247 ten years after enrollment, which is solid for a two-year degree. The college's location in Austin, Minnesota provides access to healthcare, manufacturing, and agricultural employment opportunities in the region.

What is campus life like at Riverland Community College?

Campus life centers around academics and career preparation rather than traditional college social activities, with just 80 total athletes across 5 varsity sports. The student body of 1,895 is 52.93% female and reflects southern Minnesota's diversity with 60.63% white students and growing Hispanic enrollment at 19.16%. Most students commute and focus on completing programs quickly to enter the workforce.

What makes Riverland Community College unique compared to other community colleges?

Riverland stands out for its identical in-state and out-of-state tuition of $6,250, making it accessible to students from neighboring states. Founded in 1940, the college has deep roots in serving Austin and surrounding rural communities through agricultural and technical programs. The Blue Devils compete in NCCAA athletics, providing a small-college athletic experience unusual for community colleges.