Head-to-head · 2026
Ridgewater College vs University of Minnesota-Rochester
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for Ridgewater College, 3 for University of Minnesota-Rochester — University of Minnesota-Rochester 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 | Ridgewater College | University of Minnesota-Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.91 | 12.55 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $10,046 ✓ | $13,744 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $43,827 | $69,020 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 71% |
| Graduation rate | 50.2% | 57.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,000 ✓ | $19,500 |
| Enrollment | 2,162 | 568 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1183 |
| Wins | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Minnesota-Rochester costs $3,698 more per year than Ridgewater College ($13,744 vs $10,046). University of Minnesota-Rochester graduates report $25,193 higher median earnings after ten years ($69,020 vs $43,827). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Minnesota-Rochester ahead on projected ROI (12.55 vs 10.91, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Minnesota-Rochester) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, University of Minnesota-Rochester reports 71% acceptance; Ridgewater College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Ridgewater College vs University of Minnesota-Rochester, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Ridgewater College or University of Minnesota-Rochester the better value?
University of Minnesota-Rochester has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.55 vs 10.91), 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 $13,744 at University of Minnesota-Rochester. The annual difference of $3,698 adds up to about $14,792 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Minnesota-Rochester reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $69,020 vs $43,827 at Ridgewater College. The annual gap in the federal data is $25,193.
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; University of Minnesota-Rochester reports A.