Ridgewater College is a public 2-year college in Willmar, Minnesota with 2,162 undergraduates. It has open admission, costs an average of $17,043 a year after grants and graduates 58% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Ridgewater College acceptance rate and admissions
Ridgewater College has open admission: it admits students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs, such as nursing or other health fields, can have their own entry requirements.
Ridgewater College tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26) | $6,340 |
|---|---|
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $23,671 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $17,043 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $17,043 a year after grants and scholarships, $6,628 less than the full cost of attendance. This figure covers in-state students.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students paying in-state tuition, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Ridgewater College's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Ridgewater College graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 58% of first-time, full-time students finished within three years (students who started in 2022).
- Former students earned a median of $50,062 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $12,000 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 24% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Trade and career programs at Ridgewater College
Certificate and associate programs in the trades we track. One-year earnings are for graduates of 2020-21 and 2021-22, four-year earnings for graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, both in 2024 dollars.
| Program | Credential | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welding | Certificate | 45 | $52,031 | $54,714 | n/a |
| Medical assistant | Certificate | 32 | n/a | n/a | $8,975 |
| Cosmetology and barbering | Certificate | 21 | $27,239 | $29,574 | $9,104 |
| LPN and CNA | Certificate | 21 | $46,896 | $44,191 | $10,500 |
| Electrician | Certificate | 19 | $51,988 | $77,727 | $12,000 |
| Electrician | Associate degree | 16 | $56,138 | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Certificate | 16 | $45,031 | $51,792 | n/a |
| Plumbing | Certificate | 14 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Massage therapy | Certificate | 14 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Cosmetology and barbering | Associate degree | 10 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Associate degree | 10 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Culinary arts | Certificate | 9 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Phlebotomy and medical lab | Certificate | 9 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical billing and coding | Certificate | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical billing and coding | Associate degree | 8 | $40,448 | $40,575 | n/a |
| Medical assistant | Associate degree | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Welding | Associate degree | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Paralegal | Associate degree | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Associate degree | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Massage therapy | Associate degree | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Paralegal | Certificate | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Certificate | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 2,162 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 62% women, 38% men
- 19 students for every faculty member
- Setting: remote town
- Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to get into Ridgewater College?
No. Ridgewater College has open admission for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may have extra requirements.
How much does Ridgewater College cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $6,340 for in-state students. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $17,043 a year in 2024-25.
What is the graduation rate at Ridgewater College?
58% of first-time, full-time students finished within three years.
How much do Ridgewater College graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $50,062 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Minnesota · Ridgewater College on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.