Head-to-head · 2026
North Hennepin Community College vs Ridgewater College
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 1 wins for North Hennepin Community College, 4 for Ridgewater College — Ridgewater College has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | North Hennepin Community College | Ridgewater College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.49 | 10.91 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $12,186 | $10,046 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $51,142 ✓ | $43,827 |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 22.4% | 50.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $14,750 | $12,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 3,451 | 2,162 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Wins | 1 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
North Hennepin Community College costs $2,140 more per year than Ridgewater College ($12,186 vs $10,046). North Hennepin Community College graduates report $7,315 higher median earnings after ten years ($51,142 vs $43,827). On EduGradify's model that puts Ridgewater College ahead on projected ROI (10.91 vs 10.49, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Ridgewater College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, neither school reports a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data, so this matchup should lean on price, outcomes and fit instead.
Frequently asked
North Hennepin Community College vs Ridgewater College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is North Hennepin Community College or Ridgewater College the better value?
Ridgewater College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.91 vs 10.49), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Ridgewater College is cheaper — average net price $10,046 per year vs $12,186 at North Hennepin Community College. The annual difference of $2,140 adds up to about $8,560 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
North Hennepin Community College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $51,142 vs $43,827 at Ridgewater College. The annual gap in the federal data is $7,315.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. North Hennepin Community College reports a B value grade; Ridgewater College reports A.