Minnesota West Community and Technical College

Founded in 1997, Minnesota West Community and Technical College offers industry-certified technical and academically enriched career programs. The college is the result of a merger between Southwestern Technical College and Worthington Community College. It offers a range of liberal arts and technical programs through its more than four campuses in Canby, Jackson, Pipestone, Worthington and Granite Fall, Minn. Minnesota West Community and Technical College is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Minnesota West Community and Technical College focuses on subjects related to public service occupations, construction and building trades, and automotive, engineering and information technologies. It offers daytime and evening programs in a variety of subjects, including allied health, practical nursing, cosmetology, trading, technical, computer applications and computer systems technology.

Ridgewater College is a two-year community and technical college located in Willmar, Minn., which offers more than 100 educational programs in transfer education, transfer options and technical education. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and serves more than 5,500 students on its campuses. It enables students to acquire skills and knowledge leading to employment or a comprehensive general education and associate degree programs that are transferable to four-year colleges and universities. As a partner in the region's business and industry, it offers customized and continuing education courses. Its courses include accounting, agriculture, art, business, carpentry, computer aided drafting and design, cosmetology, dairy management, law enforcement and corrections, massage therapy and nursing.

Ridgewater College is a community and technical college that offers more than 100 educational programs in transfer and technical education, and various transfer options. It offers a wide range of courses in various areas, such as accounting, engineering technology, farm business management, nursing assistance and dairy management. The college also offers access to various student activities and organizations, including intercollegiate sports, choir, theater and a student senate. It serves more than 5,500 students on its campuses in the communities of Willmar and Hutchinson in Minnesota. The college has a foundation that provides scholarship and job placements to students. Ridgewater College is approved by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.