Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Ridgewater College

Ridgewater's liberal arts associate's program delivers something increasingly rare: genuine earnings momentum. Starting at $29,262, graduates see their income jump 34% by year four—reaching $39,285. That trajectory matters more than the modest starting point, especially given the manageable $11,389 in debt.

Here's the complication: this program lands in the 40th percentile statewide, trailing Minnesota's median for similar programs by nearly $3,000. Top community college programs in the state—like Inver Hills and Riverland—see graduates earning $40,000+ within a year. Ridgewater's strength is the climb, not the launch pad. The low debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 keeps the financial risk minimal while students build that earning power.

For families choosing between Minnesota's community colleges, this comes down to patience versus immediate returns. If your student can weather a slower first year, the growth pattern here is solid and the debt burden won't constrain their options. But if they need stronger year-one earnings—perhaps they're supporting themselves immediately—other Minnesota community colleges deliver that without waiting for year four.