Get Started at Ridgewater College

There’s no application fee at Ridgewater College. After completing your application, contact your high school to send in a copy of your transcript. Transcripts can be emailed to [email protected]. A college transcript may be used for a student with 12 or more college-level credits.
APPLY ONLINE  MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY

If you are eligible, visit fafsa.gov and use Ridgewater code 005252 to complete your necessary financial aid information. Need help filling out your FAFSA or have questions? Make an appointment with our Financial Aid Officers.
FAFSA APPLICATION  SCHEDULE VIRTUAL FINANCIAL AID APPOINTMENT 

The Accuplacer assessment is designed to assess your current academic skills in reading and math.  Your assessment results will help you and your advisor in selecting courses most suited to your educational goals.

Accuplacer Assessment

Scholarships are available from the Ridgewater College Foundation through a single online application. Applications are accepted twice a year. Depending on when you apply and when you’re starting classes, the scholarship window may or may not be open.

The deadline to apply for Spring semester scholarships is November 1, with applications being accepted starting mid-September. The deadline for Fall semester scholarships is June 1. Applications usually open March 1 for fall scholarships.

Apply for Scholarships

To complete your online orientation, you will need to log in with your StarID and password. Don’t know your StarID or Password? Visit starid.minnstate.edu for assistance.
Go to Online Orientation

After completing online orientation, you’ll be able to select a time to meet with an academic advisor (for liberal arts students) or attend an orientation, advising and registration event (technical students).

Having your schedule in front of you will make it easier for you to order your books and prepare for classes.
Instructions for Printing Your Schedule

Students may begin ordering books online two weeks before the semester begins at Ridgewater College Bookstore page. Students can have their online order shipped via UPS or can pick it up at the bookstore at either campus. An order processed email confirmation will be sent when orders are shipped or ready for pick up.  Students need a valid email address, student ID number, and course schedule to successfully order online.

Note: All textbooks and course material are housed on the Willmar campus, so please allow two business days for Hutchinson online pick-up orders to be available. Students wishing to purchase books at the bookstore can go to the Willmar campus store to buy books OR stop in the Hutchinson campus store to order their books for pick up within two days. 

SHOP THE RIDGEWATER BOOKSTORE 

Understand the different tools, technologies, and communication channels that are available to you as a Ridgewater College student. Here are a few accounts you have access to: 

• Ridgewater College Email – you will be given a Ridgewater College student email address and access to your own account. Email is the college’s main form of communication, so be sure to check your Ridgewater College email inbox often.
  Learn how to access your Ridgewater College email (90-sec video) 
  
• D2L (Desire to Learn) – D2L is a learning management program that is used by all Minnesota State Colleges and Universities in the system. You may use D2L for assignments, communication, discussions, or other learning tools specific to each of your courses. This information and the use of D2L is driven by your instructors.
  Getting started with D2L (5-min video)
• eServices – eServices is a system with many of the vital services students use such as class registration, online bill pay, address change, viewing grades from specific terms, accessing your financial aid status, and more.

Explore more resources and tools available to you through the links below:
Student Resource Packet [PDF]   Student Workshops & Videos  

Technology

Adequate Technology will be needed for the first day of school. Please review the recommended technology specifications below:

If adequate technology is a barrier for you, please contact your College Counselor.

Tuition is due the first Friday of the semester. Students may be dropped from their classes if they have not met certain criteria by this date.

Invoices and statements are not mailed to students. Statements and other student information are available through the eServices portal. Log on to eServices and enter your StarID and password. Once logged on, select “Bills and Payment” under Student eServices. “Balance Due by Term” reflects activity for a specific term while “Full Account Detail” reflects all activity on your student account since 2000.
Ridgewater Scholarships Learn More About Paying Tuition