Head-to-head · 2026
Ridgewater College vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Ridgewater College, 2 for University of Minnesota-Twin Cities — 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 | Ridgewater College | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.91 ✓ | 10.28 |
| Avg net price | $10,046 ✓ | $16,778 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $43,827 | $69,020 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 79.8% |
| Graduation rate | 50.2% | 85.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,000 ✓ | $19,500 |
| Enrollment | 2,162 | 31,855 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1362 |
| Wins | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities costs $6,732 more per year than Ridgewater College ($16,778 vs $10,046). University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates report $25,193 higher median earnings after ten years ($69,020 vs $43,827). On EduGradify's model that puts Ridgewater College ahead on projected ROI (10.91 vs 10.28, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Ridgewater College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities reports 79.8% acceptance; Ridgewater College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Ridgewater College vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Ridgewater College or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities the better value?
Ridgewater College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.91 vs 10.28), 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 $16,778 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. The annual difference of $6,732 adds up to about $26,928 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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-Twin Cities reports B.