Overview
Ridgewater College is a public two-year institution formed in 1996 through the merger of Willmar Community College, Willmar Technical College, and Hutchinson Technical College, creating a comprehensive community and technical college serving west central Minnesota. Part of the Minnesota State system, Ridgewater is known for its strong career and technical education programs, including agriculture, health sciences, manufacturing, and trades, alongside transfer-oriented liberal arts coursework. The college maintains close ties with regional employers and agricultural industries central to the surrounding region.
At a Glance
| Type | Community College |
| Location | Willmar, Minnesota |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Total students | 4,500 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 16:1 |
| Acceptance rate | Open admission |
| Graduation rate | 45% |
| Average starting salary | $38,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $5,800 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $11,600 |
| Room & board | $8,500 |
| Average financial aid | $6,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 70% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | N/A |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Nursing
- Agriculture
- Welding
- Wind Energy Technology
- Business Administration
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.