- 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 2,846 students (55% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the state community college average of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 89%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 2,846 students
- In-state tuition: $5,400
- Out-state tuition: $5,400
- Student:teacher ratio: 12:1
- Minority enrollment: 97%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Ridgewater College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
School Overview
The teacher population of 230 teachers has stayed relatively flat 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 12% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 has decreased from 14:1 over five years.
The Ridgewater College diversity score of 0.33 is less than the state average of 0.67. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,846 students
2,033 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
16:1
# Full-Time Students
1,578 students
843 students
# Part-Time Students
1,268 students
1,190 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
248 students
309 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,578 students
662 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
14 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,268 students
1,190 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
3 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
116 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
5%
% Asian
5%
12%
% Hispanic
n/a
1%
% Black
8%
9%
% White
3%
11%
% Hawaiian
81%
54%
% Two or more races
2%
4%
% Unknown races
n/a
4%
Diversity Score
0.33
0.67
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.4545%
0.3841%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.5%
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 $5,482. 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 $6,138. The out-state tuition has declined by 6% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,400
$5,482
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,400
$6,138
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
74%
89%
Median Debt for Graduates
$12,000
$12,264
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,931
$6,747
Acceptance Rate
n/a
94%
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: 2023 (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.
What is Ridgewater College's ranking?
Ridgewater College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Minnesota for: Average community college minority breakdown.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Ridgewater College is Minnesota West Community and Technical College (33.2 miles away)
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(763) 433-1100
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(763) 433-1100
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