Ridgewater College
Willmar, Minnesota
About Ridgewater College
A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation
Founded in 1961, Ridgewater College is a 2-year college serving students in Willmar, Minnesota. With a tradition of academic excellence, Ridgewater College prepares graduates for success in Humanities, Health Professions, Agriculture, and more.
A Diverse Community in Willmar
Students come from across the country and around the world, creating a campus culture rich in perspectives and experiences. With a 18:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and provide mentorship that extends beyond the classroom.
Commitment to Access and Affordability
Ridgewater College is committed to meeting full demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Families earning less than $30,000 per year typically pay $8,400, and those earning up to $48,000 contribute a portion of their income. This need-aware policy ensures that talent and drive matter more than bank accounts, opening doors for first-generation and low-income students.
Research That Shapes the World
Ridgewater College emphasizes hands-on learning, internships, and close faculty mentorship. Students gain practical experience through internships, research projects, and co-ops, preparing them for immediate career success or graduate study. The focus on undergraduate teaching means professors prioritize your growth and development.
Outcomes for Ridgewater College students
| First-year retention rate | 68% |
|---|---|
| Median earnings 8 years after enrolling | $43,677 |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $43,827 |
| Median debt at graduation | $12,000 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Students at Ridgewater College
| Total enrollment | 2,855 |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students | 2,855 |
| International students | 0% |
| First-generation students | 31% |
What you can study at Ridgewater College
60 programs, most of them in these fields:
Agriculture (9)
Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations, Agricultural Production Operations, General, Agriculture, General, and more
Health Professions (9)
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic), Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General, and more
Business Management Marketing Support (6)
Accounting, Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General, Business Administration and Management, General, and more
Computer Information Sciences (6)
Computer Programming/Programmer, General, Computer Science, Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, and more
Engineering Technologies (6)
Automation Engineer Technology/Technician, CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician, Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician, and more
Precision Production (4)
Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist, Machine Tool Technology/Machinist, Tool and Die Technology/Technician, and more
Visual and Performing Arts (3)
Commercial Photography, Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design, Recording Arts Technology/Technician
Construction Trades (2)
Carpentry/Carpenter, Electrician
Similar schools nearby
These colleges in Minnesota and the surrounding region offer similar programs and campus experiences. Compare
acceptance rates, costs, and outcomes to find the best fit for your goals.
Ridgewater College FAQ
We've got answers. Explore our FAQs.
Or reach out at support@kollegio.ai
Ridgewater College is test-optional. If your scores strengthen your application, submitting them can help. If they don't reflect your abilities, you can apply without them and focus on showcasing your strengths through essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars. Kollegio's Chance Me tool evaluates your profile with or without test scores to show realistic odds.
GPA expectations vary by program, and there's no strict cutoff. Admissions officers consider course rigor, grade trends, and school context when reviewing transcripts. Taking challenging courses and earning strong grades signals readiness for Ridgewater College's academic demands. Contact admissions for specific guidance.
Families earning less than $30,000 typically pay $8,400 for tuition, room, and board. Those earning up to $48,000 contribute a portion of income, bringing average net cost to around $10,955 for aided students. Most graduates leave with $12,000 in debt.. Use Kollegio's Scholarship Finder to stack external awards and reduce costs even further.
Ridgewater College has limited or no need-based aid for international students. Roughly 0% of undergraduates come from outside the U.S., and many receive full or near-full aid packages.
Ridgewater College's acceptance rate is 100%, but your individual odds depend on your academic profile, extracurriculars, essays, and background. Kollegio's Chance Me tool analyzes thousands of data points to estimate your personalized probability and suggest schools where you're more likely to gain admission. Building a balanced list with reach, match, and safety schools ensures you have strong options come decision time.
Can you make it?
Chance me to see how your profile stacks up
Ridgewater College offers various application deadlines. Check the admissions website for early and regular decision options. Applying as soon as your application is ready can help you plan ahead.
Ridgewater College values depth over breadth. Admissions officers look for sustained commitment, leadership, and impact in a few areas rather than long lists of shallow involvements. Whether you've founded a nonprofit, led a research project, competed nationally, or worked part-time to support your family, your extracurriculars should reveal your passions and character. Kollegio's Activity Feedback tool helps you frame your experiences effectively.
Ridgewater College accepts transfer applications from students at other colleges. Transfer applicants need compelling academic and personal reasons for seeking a move, along with strong college transcripts and recommendations. Check Ridgewater College's admissions website for current transfer deadlines and requirements. Kollegio's tools can help you assess whether transferring makes sense for your goals.