Liberal Arts & Humanities at Ridgewater College

Willmar, MN · Public · Associate Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

a smaller institution with 2,048 students in Willmar, MN.

Program Analysis

At $29,262 per year, Liberal Arts & Humanities graduates from Ridgewater College earn slightly above the $27,616 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 42.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Liberal Arts & Humanities programs nationally.

The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 0% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Liberal Arts & Humanities graduates.

The median debt load of $10,960 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

At #403 of 830 Liberal Arts & Humanities programs, Ridgewater College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $46,843 show a 60% jump from the $29,262 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

45 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
41
Low End
45
Score
44
High End
Earnings $29,262/yr (6% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (100% shielded)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$514K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
42.0x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
1 of 1
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$12,218
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,960
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,843
60% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Liberal Arts & Humanities graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490 +1.8% 100%
Postsecondary teachers, all other
$78,490
+1.8% growth 100% AI-proof

Liberal Arts & Humanities Career Guide

What can you do with a Liberal Arts & Humanities credential from Ridgewater College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Liberal Arts & Humanities career guide →

Compare & Explore

Liberal Arts & Humanities Overview

Liberal Arts & Humanities at Other Schools

Other Majors at Ridgewater College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Ridgewater College's Liberal Arts & Humanities program score?
A score of 45/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Liberal Arts & Humanities. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Liberal Arts & Humanities jobs?
AI resilience is a strength here. Only 0% of Liberal Arts & Humanities tasks overlap with AI capabilities, and 1 of 1 career paths remain viable even in our most conservative scenario.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →