Trade Colleges

Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Ridgewater College

Willmar, MN

Total Enrollment

5,206

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

96

96 career programs

Full-Time Students

5,542

5,206 part-time

Total FTE

2,140

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
5,206
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 96
High diversity
~54 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Established
Well-established in vocational education
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Ridgewater College operates as a large trade college with 5,206 students across 96 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 5,206 students, Ridgewater College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 96 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 5,542 (51.6%)
51.6%
Part-Time Students 5,206 (48.4%)
48.4%
Total Students 10,748

Balanced mix of full-time (51.6%) and part-time students, accommodating various schedules.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Most students (106.5%) attend full-time, indicating a traditional college experience focused on academics.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
64.2%
3,343 students
Men
35.8%
1,863 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
77.6%
4,042 students
White
77.6% (4,042)
Hispanic/Latino
11.4% (595)
Black/African American
3.2% (167)
Two or More Races
2.6% (133)
Asian
1.5% (80)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.5% (24)
International Students
0.2% (11)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.1% (4)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (64%) across 5,206 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 78% of the student body (4,042 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 64% of students.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

10,748 students

40% Men, 60% Women
5,542 Full-time
Diversity Index: 37% • Minority Students: 16%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

1,514
All full-time students
644 men, 870 women
Diversity: 36%

FT Undergraduate

1,514
Full-time undergraduate
644 men, 870 women
Diversity: 36%

FT Degree-Seeking

1,257
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
552 men, 705 women
Diversity: 36%

FT First-Time

382
Full-time first-time students
203 men, 179 women
Diversity: 40%

FT Continuing

875
Full-time continuing students
349 men, 526 women
Diversity: 35%

Part-Time Students

All Students

2,855
All students total
1,049 men, 1,806 women
Diversity: 39%

Transfer

265
Transfer-in students
106 men, 159 women
Diversity: 28%

Continuing

1,279
Continuing students
429 men, 850 women
Diversity: 41%

Non-Degree

807
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
279 men, 528 women
Diversity: 34%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

8,430
White
339
Black/African American
1,213
Hispanic/Latino
162
Asian
27
International
Diversity Index: 37% Minority Students: 16%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Ridgewater College

College Overview
General information
Programs & Degrees
Available study options
Admissions
Requirements & process
AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Ridgewater College's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 5,206 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
• Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (106.5%) in a traditional academic setting.
• Academic Intensity: 2,140 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
• Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
• Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.
• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

8007221151

Address

2101 15th Ave NW

Willmar, MN 56201

Student Success

The student body at trade colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials