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Ridgewater College

Willmar, MN · Town · 2,162 students
4
Year
Public
Town
Small (<3k)
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About

Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minnesota, is highly regarded for its affordable, hands-on career training and seamless transfer pathways, particularly excelling in its nationally recognized Agriculture department, robust Veterinary Technology program, and high-demand nursing credentials. The campus offers a welcoming, close-knit environment where students can participate in NJCAA athletics, diverse student clubs, and leadership opportunities, ensuring a vibrant and supportive college experience. What truly sets Ridgewater apart is its exceptional job placement rate—with many technical programs boasting nearly 100% employment after graduation—and its state-of-the-art facilities, such as its expansive agricultural arenas and simulation labs, which provide students with invaluable real-world practice.


Wikipedia:Ridgewater College is a public community college in Willmar and Hutchinson, Minnesota. It was founded in 1996 as part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. It was created by the consolidation of Willmar Community College and Hutchinson-Willmar Regional Technical College. Its name refers to the rivers and lakes near the colleges and to the glacial ridge in the region.

Location
Willmar, MN, 56201 · Town campus
Nearest airport from college
MSP · Minneapolis
92 mi away
Cost
In-state COA
$15,694
Out-of-state COA
$15,694
Avg net price
$10,046
In-state tuition
$6,121
Out-of-state tuition
$6,121
Books & supplies
$1,236/yr
Average net price by family income
$0–30k
$7,963
$30–48k
$6,891
$48–75k
$9,176
$75–110k
$13,111
$110k+
$15,103
Admissions

No admissions data available for this college.

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Essay Requirements

This school does not appear to use the Common Application. Check the school's admissions website directly for essay requirements and application instructions.

See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.

Outcomes
Graduation rate
48%
8-year outcomes
Graduated
50%
Transferred
16%
Still enrolled
1%
Dropped out / unknown
33%
Median earnings (6yr)
$40,862
Median earnings (10yr)
$43,827
Median debt
$12,000
Monthly loan payment
$127
Debt range (25th–75th)
$4,500$14,479
Debt (90th percentile)
$23,898
Student Body
Men 38%Women 62%
19
:
1
Student : Faculty ratio
Students   Faculty
Pell grant recipients
32%
First-generation
31%
Median family income
$37,533
Independent students
31%
Avg age at entry
23.0
Part-time students
42%
Race & ethnicity
White
74%
Hispanic
13%
Black
5%
Asian
2%
Two or more
3%
AI/AN
1%
Unknown
2%
Institutional
Endowment
$4M
Undergraduate profile
Two-year, mixed part/full-time
Full-time faculty
60%
Avg faculty salary
$9,379/mo
Instructional spend/student
$11,440
Federal loan rate
25%

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