Carpentry at Ridgewater College
a smaller institution with 2,048 students in Willmar, MN.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $33,969/yr, roughly in line with the $37,206 national median for Carpentry. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 58.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Carpentry programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Carpentry's career paths, with 29% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 0% gap from the optimistic case.
At #7 of 15 Carpentry programs, Ridgewater College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Carpentry offers 37 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Carpentry graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers | $78,690 | +5.3% | 57% |
| Carpenters | $59,310 | +4.5% | 86% |
Carpentry Career Guide
Explore what Carpentry graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 15 programs nationwide.