Ridgewater College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Ridgewater College
Set in Minnesota lake country, Ridgewater College in Willmar pairs practical learning with a welcoming, no-pretenses vibe. It's known for career-focused academics alongside solid transfer pathways, with faculty who keep things hands-on and clear. Students lean on tutoring, advising, counseling, and a well-stocked library, plus cared-for labs and workshop spaces that turn ideas into usable skills. There's a get-it-done spirit that shows up in the everyday rhythm of classes and labs.
Life on campus stays friendly and active with clubs, leadership roles, intramurals, and easy access to trails and water when you need a reset. The culture is down-to-earth and supportive, a good fit for first-generation students and those who want instructors who know their names. Career prep runs deep through job coaching, campus recruiting, and employer connections across the region. And the Willmar community offers small-city convenience, local arts, and plenty of part-time work, so class learning quickly meets real life.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Ridgewater College offers 54 degree programs across 15 major academic fields, graduating approximately 879 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Liberal Arts (1 programs, 203 graduates), Health (11 programs, 194 graduates), Agriculture (8 programs, 104 graduates), Eng. Technologies (4 programs, 67 graduates) and Construction (2 programs, 49 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 203 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 203 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
24.0101 |
Health (11 programs, 194 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 76 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
| Medical Assistant | 40 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.0801 |
| Licensed Practical Nursing | 21 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.3901 |
| Massage Therapy | 16 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.3501 |
| Emergency Medical Technology | 11 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.0904 |
| Phlebotomy Technician | 9 |
|
Other Award
|
51.1009 |
| Health Information Technology | 5 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0707 |
| Medical Insurance Coding | 5 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.0713 |
| Therapeutic Recreation | 5 |
|
Associate's
|
51.2309 |
| Medical Office Assistant | 3 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.0710 |
| Medical Administrative Assistant | 3 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0716 |
Agriculture (8 programs, 104 graduates)
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Technology and Animal Health Assistant | 42 |
|
Associate's
|
01.8301 |
| Agribusiness Operations | 24 |
|
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
01.0102 |
| Farm and Ranch Management | 19 |
|
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
01.0104 |
| Agronomy and Crop Science | 7 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Other Award
|
01.1102 |
| Animal and Livestock Production | 5 |
|
Other Award
|
01.0302 |
| Agricultural Machinery Technology | 4 |
|
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
01.0205 |
| Dairy Production and Husbandry | 2 |
|
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
01.0306 |
| Agricultural Journalism | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
01.0802 |
Eng. Technologies (4 programs, 67 graduates)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instrumentation Technology | 33 |
|
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
15.0404 |
| CAD and CADD Drafting and Design Technology | 25 |
|
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
15.1302 |
| Automation Engineer Technology | 5 |
|
Associate's
|
15.0406 |
| Computer Systems Technology | 4 |
|
Associate's
|
15.1202 |
Construction (2 programs, 49 graduates)
Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 35 |
|
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
46.0302 |
| Plumbing Technology | 14 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
46.0503 |
Business (7 programs, 49 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | 14 |
|
Associate's
|
52.0101 |
| Accounting | 10 |
|
Associate's
|
52.0301 |
| Sales and Marketing Operations | 8 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
52.1801 |
| Entrepreneurship Studies | 7 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0701 |
| Administrative Assistant Science | 5 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
52.0401 |
| Marketing Management | 4 |
|
Associate's
|
52.1401 |
| Office Occupations and Clerical Services | 1 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
52.0408 |
Production (3 programs, 48 graduates)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology | 40 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Other Award
|
48.0508 |
| CNC Machinist Technology | 6 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
48.0510 |
| Machine Shop Technology | 2 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
48.0503 |
Education (4 programs, 41 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education | 29 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
13.1210 |
| Special Education Teaching | 5 |
|
Associate's
|
13.1001 |
| Elementary Education | 4 |
|
Associate's
|
13.1202 |
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching | 3 |
|
Other Award
|
13.1314 |
Personal Services (3 programs, 40 graduates)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology | 17 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
12.0401 |
| Aesthetician and Skin Care Specialist | 14 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
12.0409 |
| Meat Cutting | 9 |
|
Other Award
|
12.0506 |
Mechanics (2 programs, 18 graduates)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autobody and Collision Repair Technology | 11 |
|
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
47.0603 |
| Automotive Mechanics Technology | 7 |
|
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
47.0604 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Ridgewater College
How much does it cost to attend Ridgewater College?
The annual tuition at Ridgewater College is $6,109 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $7,309 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $7,720 (off-campus) and books and supplies $1,200.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Ridgewater College offer?
Ridgewater College offers 54 academic programs across 15 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), Associate's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (1 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (11 programs)
- Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine (8 programs)
- Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support (4 programs)
- Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Ridgewater College?
Ridgewater College provides financial aid to 13% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $6,063 and average loans of $5,421.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $4,910
- State/Local grants: $2,000
- Institutional grants: $2,333
- Federal loans: $4,873
The university supports 232 students with grants and 114 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Ridgewater College graduates?
Ridgewater College graduates earn a median salary of $40,862 after 6 years and $43,827 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $26,512 (25th percentile) to $63,192 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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