Public Institution

Ridgewater College — Willmar, Minnesota

Compare Visit Website
Annual Tuition $6,109

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 100%

Open Admission

Enrollment 2,048

Active Students

Avg. Salary $43,827

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Willmar, Minnesota
Institution type Public
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
Founded 1/19/1970

Academic Mission & Environment

"Ridgewater College stands as a pillar of higher education in Willmar, providing a robust academic foundation for 2,048 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Ridgewater College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Ridgewater College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Humanities
23.5%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions
22.5%

Enrollment Share

Agriculture
9.4%

Enrollment Share

Engineering Tech
7.6%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
6.9%

Enrollment Share

Culinary & Personal
5.7%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Agriculture College

The Agriculture program at Ridgewater College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Engineering Tech College

The Engineering Tech program at Ridgewater College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Culinary & Personal College

The Culinary & Personal program at Ridgewater College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Ridgewater College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 100%
Difficulty Low

Ridgewater College maintains an acceptance rate of 100%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are not reported.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 37.6%
Women Enrollment 62.4%

Open Pathway Confirmed

Ridgewater College follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Unlock access to Ridgewater College's high-demand programs without the stress of standardized testing benchmarks.

Official Admission Portal

How much does Ridgewater College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $6,109
Out-of-State Tuition $6,109

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 33.5%
Median Student Debt $12,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $6,109, graduates see a median starting salary of $43,827, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Minnesota.

What salary can Ridgewater College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $43,827

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate N/A%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $10,955
Median Salary (6yr) $40,862
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Ridgewater College in Willmar?

2,048 Students

Gender Comparison

37.6% Men
62.4% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

0%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.5%
Pacific Islander
0.1%
Asian
1.5%
Black
4.1%
White
76.1%
Unknown
1.2%
Hispanic
13.8%
Two or More Races
2.4%
International
0.3%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 23
🎓
First-Generation 31.4%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 67.1%
💍
Married Students 9.2%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $56,264
Average Family Income $49,757
Median Family Income $37,533

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

51.7%
48.3%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Willmar Campus Environment

Located at 2101 15th Ave NW, Ridgewater College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Minnesota. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Ridgewater College

Is Ridgewater College a good college in Willmar, Minnesota?
Ridgewater College is a recognized institution in Willmar with an enrollment of 2,048 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in Minnesota based on Department of Education data.
Is Ridgewater College worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Ridgewater College offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $43,827. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Ridgewater College cost for Minnesota residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Ridgewater College is approximately $6,109. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $6,109. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Ridgewater College after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Ridgewater College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 67.1% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Ridgewater College good for Humanities and Health Professions programs?
Ridgewater College is highly regarded for its Humanities and Health Professions programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Ridgewater College?
Graduates of Ridgewater College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Humanities. With a median salary of $43,827, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Ridgewater College?
Ridgewater College operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Ridgewater College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Ridgewater College follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Ridgewater College graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Ridgewater College earn a median salary of $43,827 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Ridgewater College a good investment compared to other MN colleges?
Ridgewater College stands out as a high-value investment in Minnesota. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Ridgewater College located and what is the campus like?
Ridgewater College is located at 2101 15th Ave NW in Willmar, MN. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 2,048 learners.
Who typically attends Ridgewater College in Willmar, MN?
The student body at Ridgewater College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 31.4% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
🏆

2026 Rankings: Minnesota

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Ridgewater College with other leading institutions in Minnesota across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

Local Discovery Hub

Explore specialized academic pathways in Willmar

Degrees & Research Humanities Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Professional Training Humanities Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Career Opportunities Humanities Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Affordable Tuition Humanities Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Accredited Programs Humanities Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Leading Schools Humanities Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
International Support Humanities Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Community Colleges Humanities Insights →
2026 Audit Complete

Looking for similar schools in Minnesota?

Our intelligence engine has audited 6,400+ institutions to find the best matches for your career goals.

View State Rankings →