About Ridgewater College
You can enrich your life with a personalized, relevant education in the collaborative and supportive environment at Ridgewater College. Offering online associate degrees and certifications, this two-year public institution appeals to diverse student learners seeking an inclusive and accessible education. The college provides a student-centered education focused on these values:
- Affordability
- Innovation
- Excellence
Ridgewater takes your educational goals seriously, ensuring your online studies provide the same quality of instruction as campus-based classes. Approaching education from a platform of creativity and curiosity, the college strives to empower students and staff on its change-oriented and future-focused system. Come learn in an environment that supports you every step of the way.
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Accreditation & Licensing
Ridgewater College is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
2-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Postsecondary award, certificate or diploma of at least two but less than four academic yearsReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
Not applicableFully Online Graduate Students:
Not applicableMedian Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$12,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
71%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$5,063Credit for Military Training:
YesRidgewater College is a strong first step for transfer students. It helps you finish core classes and keep credits moving toward your next school. The format can also work well for adults who need a steady plan.
Many students can set study times around work and turn in assignments before deadlines. That flexibility can make it easier to stay on track while working full time.
Cost is a key strength at Ridgewater. The school is often seen as a lower-cost way to complete basic classes and earn credits. In technical programs, students can finish a credential in about 2.5 years. Overall, Ridgewater works best as an affordable path to finish early goals and move forward.
At Ridgewater College, support shows up in daily school life. Online questions often get quick replies. Professors are known for being helpful and easy to reach. Staff are kind and respectful, which makes it easier to solve problems when they come up.
Help also goes beyond class time. Free tutoring is available, and students can get help in areas where they struggle. Support can vary by class and instructor, but the school offers many ways to help students stay on track.
Ridgewater’s online classes give real schedule control. You can set your own study times. You can work ahead of deadlines. That pace helps adults keep school moving.
Online support is fast and practical. Online information runs quick. Responses come back quickly. Many learners also stay enrolled from home while working full time. The structure fits work and life demands.
Classes at Ridgewater feel practical and easy to follow. Many students describe professors as strong teachers who are supportive and easy to reach. Because the school is small, it is usually easier to get help when you need it.
That steady access can make weekly coursework easier to manage. Tutoring and instructor support are part of the routine for many students. Program quality can vary by area, and some CADD coursework has drawn notes about focus and relevance. Even so, the overall classroom experience is positive, especially for students who want regular support.
Ridgewater is a practical school for many adults. Cost and schedule flexibility lead the story. It fits students finishing basic classes first. It also fits transfer-minded plans.
Online pacing is a clear plus. Students can set study times. They can submit work early. Many keep full-time jobs from home.
Help is also visible day to day. Online questions get quick replies. Professors are often very helpful. Staff kindness and free tutoring stand out.
The experience is not uniform across every department. One technical area drew criticism for narrow, dated content. There is also a serious report of instructor bullying. Overall, Ridgewater works best as an affordable, flexible first step.
Ridgewater is a practical school for many adults. Cost and schedule flexibility lead the story. It fits students finishing basic classes first. It also fits transfer-minded plans.
Online pacing is a clear plus. Students can set study times. They can submit work early. Many keep full-time jobs from home.
Help is also visible day to day. Online questions get quick replies. Professors are often very helpful. Staff kindness and free tutoring stand out.
The experience is not uniform across every department. One technical area drew criticism for narrow, dated content. There is also a serious report of instructor bullying. Overall, Ridgewater works best as an affordable, flexible first step.
Online Programs offered by Ridgewater College
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Healthcare
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ridgewater College
Is Ridgewater College accredited?
Yes. Ridgewater College is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does Ridgewater College offer?
Ridgewater College offers 18 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Ridgewater College offer?
Ridgewater College offers associate-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Ridgewater College?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Ridgewater College expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Ridgewater College falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Ridgewater College?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Ridgewater College first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
Is Ridgewater College military friendly?
Ridgewater College does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.
How can students request information from Ridgewater College through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Ridgewater College applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official High School Transcript/GED Score. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Ridgewater College accept life experience credit?
Ridgewater College does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Ridgewater College programs fully online or mixed?
Ridgewater College programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Ridgewater College offer?
Ridgewater College has online program options in areas such as Art & Liberal Arts, Criminal Justice, Safety & Law, Healthcare, and Education; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Are any admission tests required for Ridgewater College programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is ACCUPLACER, ACT/SAT. Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Ridgewater College?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Ridgewater College programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Ridgewater College?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Ridgewater College, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Ridgewater College programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Ridgewater College program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Ridgewater College is featured in 4 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Ridgewater College is located in Minnesota
Minnesota at a Glance:
Top Majors in Minnesota:
Top Incentives in Minnesota:
- Minnesota State Grant: Up to $12,000 annually
Top Career Pathways in Minnesota:
- Entry Level: Healthcare Analyst ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Innovation Manager ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Healthcare Director ($150,000+)
- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, CPHIMS