Ridgewater College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
With a 98.5% acceptance rate, Ridgewater is built to be accessible, so your strategy should start with choosing a program, schedule, and support system you can sustain. Its 70% freshman retention rate makes that fit question important. Since Ridgewater is test-optional, submit scores only if they add clear value to your record.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Ridgewater College facts and stats
Ridgewater College enrolls about 3,148 undergraduate students in a small-town setting. Ridgewater reports a freshman retention rate of 70%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1.
Willmar, MN

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Key Ridgewater College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
May 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to test-optional Ridgewater, plan to take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall for superscore-friendly retakes. Since Ridgewater does not offer Early Action or Early Decision, line up your final fall retake with its Regular Decision deadline and confirm that scores from that test date will arrive on time.
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What you'll actually pay
Ridgewater’s in-state tuition is $5,473, and out-of-state tuition is also $5,473. Students planning to apply for aid should submit the FAFSA by the May 1 priority deadline.

Out-of-state tuition at Ridgewater College is $5,473, with estimated room and board adding $10,408. As a public college, a student’s final bill can depend on program choices, fees, living arrangements, and financial need. Students should use Ridgewater’s net price resources and aid process to estimate what they may actually pay after grants, scholarships, or loans.
Student life at Ridgewater College
Student activities and organization details coming soon.
Campus housing details coming soon.
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
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