Academic Programs & Learning
How does Ridgewater College in Willmar, MN support student success? Retention rates, FTE analysis, and more.
What About Academic Quality at Ridgewater College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
18:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
68%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
54%
Part-time students continuing
How Ridgewater College Compares
Retention at Ridgewater College runs at 68%, fairly typical for the trade-college space. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio suggests an institution operating at familiar academic-quality benchmarks rather than pushing them.
Understanding Academic Quality Metrics
Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 18:1 means there are approximately 18 students for every faculty member. This moderate ratio balances personalized attention with institutional capacity.
Retention Rates: These show the percentage of students who return for their second year. Higher retention rates typically indicate student satisfaction, academic support, and program quality.
Graduation Rate Survey Cohort: 30% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at Ridgewater College?
Tenure Status
Academic Ranks
Understanding Faculty Composition
Ridgewater College's teaching staff of 90 includes faculty at various academic ranks. Tenured professors make up 84% of instructional staff. The mix of ranked faculty and instructors supports diverse learning experiences.
Where Do Online Students at Ridgewater College Come From?
Geographic distribution of students enrolled exclusively in online courses (Fall 2024 census)
Where exclusively-online students are located
About this data: The geographic breakdown above uses IPEDS Fall Enrollment census data, which captures a single-day snapshot. The enrollment figures in the "How Do Students Learn?" section above use 12-month unduplicated headcount, which typically shows higher numbers as it covers the full academic year. Both are official IPEDS data — they measure different things.
93% of Ridgewater College's exclusively online students are located in MN. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load at Ridgewater College?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:65.9% FTE ratio indicates many students attend part-time
Academic Load: FTE represents the equivalent of full-time students based on credit hours, helping compare institutional capacity regardless of part-time enrollment.
FTE enrollment at Ridgewater College converts all student enrollment into full-time equivalents, providing a clearer picture of the school's actual academic workload.
How Intensively Do Students Study at Ridgewater College?
Student Enrollment Intensity
The Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) ratio shows the average course load intensity. An FTE ratio of 1.0 means all students attend full-time, while lower values indicate more part-time enrollment.
A mix of full-time and part-time students, offering flexibility for those balancing work, family, and education.
FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.
FTE Ratio Scale
The enrollment intensity ratio at Ridgewater College is 0.66. This figure helps prospective students understand the school's enrollment patterns and peer dynamics.
Academic Support & Resources
Academic Advising
Students have access to academic advisors who can help with course selection, degree planning, and career guidance. Contact the admissions office to learn about advising services.
Student Success Services
Many institutions offer tutoring, study groups, and academic success workshops. These resources help students develop study skills and overcome academic challenges.
For detailed information about academic support services, tutoring hours, and learning resources, contact Ridgewater College directly at 8007221151 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1 supports personalized learning
- 90 instructional staff with 84% holding tenured positions
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students primarily from MN (93% in-state)
Ready to Learn More About Academics at Ridgewater College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.