Head-to-head · 2026
Ridgewater College vs South Central College
Compare average net price ($10,046 at Ridgewater College; $9,082 at South Central College), ROI score (10.91 vs 12.41), ten-year median earnings ($43,827 vs $45,068), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Ridgewater College; Open / not reported at South Central College) using federal College Scorecard data. South Central College has a 3-1 metric-level edge. South Central College has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Ridgewater College | South Central College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.91 | 12.41 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $10,046 | $9,082 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $43,827 | $45,068 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 50.2% ✓ | 39.1% |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $12,000 |
| Enrollment | 2,162 | 1,946 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Ridgewater College costs $964 more per year than South Central College ($10,046 vs $9,082). South Central College graduates report $1,241 higher median earnings after ten years ($45,068 vs $43,827). On EduGradify's model that puts South Central College ahead on projected ROI (12.41 vs 10.91, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (South Central 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
Ridgewater College vs South Central College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Ridgewater College or South Central College the better value?
South Central College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.41 vs 10.91), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
South Central College is cheaper — average net price $9,082 per year vs $10,046 at Ridgewater College. The annual difference of $964 adds up to about $3,856 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
South Central College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $45,068 vs $43,827 at Ridgewater College. The annual gap in the federal data is $1,241.
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. Ridgewater College reports a A value grade; South Central College reports A.