Ridgewater College

History

Ridgewater College, located in Willmar, Minnesota, was founded in 1996 and is one of the newer two year public institutions in the state. The school works with its service area to provide academic support and workforce development, working closely with community business to identify needs and offer programs that fulfill those needs.

RC maintains small class sizes and up to date technology to ensure that the needs of current and future students are met, and no individual gets lost in the shuffle while pursing higher education. They are also responsible for a large number of organizations and programs that promote cultural development and arts appreciation.

Academics

Ridgewater College offers a wide range of classes and programs that allow students to pursue their goals and interests. Individuals working toward academic transfer will complete the first two years of a four year education, followed by applying for transfer to a four year institution to transfer earned credits and complete the final two years and earn their bachelor's degree.

Students transferring to public schools in Minnesota will have an easier time due to agreements in place that guarantee admission if all transfer admissions prerequisites are met. Individuals transferring to out of state or private schools will have to meet the varying transfer requirements of individual schools and should consult with a counselor to develop a curriculum that assists in matching such requirements.

Career training and technical programs provide education in a career related or technical field, resulting in the development of skills and abilities necessary to enter the workforce as qualified professionals.

Courses are taught in both classroom and simulated settings, with such controlled environments used to develop practical experience necessary for mastering necessary skills under the supervision of experienced specialists and instructors. Such programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a certificate or associate degree that demonstrates competency.

Programs offered include:

• Automotive Technology
• Cosmetology
• Accounting
• Liberal Arts
• Nursing

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students wishing to apply to Ridgewater College will have to fill out and submit an application, provide a copy of a high school diploma or GED score, standardized test scores for placement, and transcripts from all previously attended schools. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older. Students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to discuss goals, program enrollment and curriculum, and should participate in orientation to familiarize themselves with the campus.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, work study programs, and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is used by the school to determine the extent of a student's financial need and their aid program eligibility when constructing a financial aid packet. Aid must be reapplied for prior to the start of each academic year.

Estimated Costs & Financial Aid

The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $11,200. To calculate a more personalized cost visit the net price calculator. There is also a $20 application fee for students applying to the school. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.

Tuition & Fees Information

• Annual tuition estimates are between $4,800-$5,800 for both state residents and nonresidents
• Per unit charges are around $180 for part time students

Financial Aid Details

The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.

	Percent of Students	Average Amount
Any Financial Aid	82%	-
Receiving Grants & Scholarships	61%	$4,643
Receiving Student Loans	53%	$5,311

Admissions, Academics, & Student Services

Student Services

To help support students, Ridgewater College may provide services to students like those listed below:

• Online classes
• Night and weekend classes available
• Remedial instructional courses
• Counseling assistance
• Employing students to lower education costs
• Assisting students to find work

Graduation & Transfer Rates

Community colleges often offer both career training programs and options for students to transfer-out to four year institutions, which is why the table below is so important, it compares this school against community colleges in Minnesota.

	Ridgewater College	Kandiyohi County	Minnesota
Graduation Rate	42.8%	-	27.3%
Transfer-out Rate	14.4%	-	21.3%

Specialized Programs & Accreditations

• Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
  • Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1998)
  • Compare all associate's degree in nursing (ADN) programs in Minnesota
• Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program
  • Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 2014)

Other Community Colleges Nearby

The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Ridgewater College.

• Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Granite Falls, MN (33 miles away)
• Alexandria Technical & Community College in Alexandria, MN (53 miles away)
• St Cloud Technical and Community College in Saint Cloud, MN (53 miles away)
• Anoka Technical College in Anoka, MN (79 miles away)
• Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park, MN (82 miles away)