Riverland Community College is celebrating strong enrollment growth for the third consecutive year, reflecting the college’s commitment to student success, access, and community partnership.

This report is based on official enrollment data pulled by Minnesota State on the 30th day of the semester and compared to Riverland’s enrollment snapshot from October 10. Riverland continues to enroll students throughout the remaining days of the semester. 

Riverland’s full-year equivalent (FYE) enrollment is up 7.11 percent compared to last year. The college is currently at 1,156.08 FYE, with projections to close the term around 1,170 FYE, an increase of 6.5 percent over Fall 2024. This growth exceeds the 4.37 percent systemwide increase reported by Minnesota State and reflects Riverland’s highest enrollment since 2014.

Summer 2025 enrollment also grew by 8 percent and an early look at Spring 2026 enrollment indicates a current increase of 8.37 percent, indicating continued momentum into the next term.

Community Scholarships Expand Access and Opportunity

Riverland’s strong enrollment is supported in part by a growing network of community-based scholarship programs that make college more affordable. This fall marks the first year that all three Riverland Campuses have scholarships devoted to graduating high school seniors in each campus community.

• The Hormel Foundation Austin Assurance scholarship, established in 2019 is currently serving 249 students, following 116 graduates last year.
• Freeborn Community Promise Scholarship established last fall supports 93 students, including 45 new enrollees.
• Owatonna Opportunity Scholarship, newly added this fall, supports 30 students, representing an approximate 50 percent increase from the previous year.

In total, Riverland Foundation awards more than 850 scholarships each academic year. Additional students are benefitting from state and federal financial aid programs, including the North Star Promise Scholarship Program and Workforce Development Scholarships in high-demand fields. 

“These scholarships help remove barriers to college, especially for first-generation and working students,” said Rachel Erkkila, Vice President of Strategic Enrollment and Equity. “We’re seeing real growth in the number of students enrolling, staying on track, and completing their programs.”

“This growing number of scholarships show the community’s commitment to Riverland’s students, said Janelle Koepke, Dean of Institutional Advancement. “The Riverland Foundation is so grateful the partnerships that have led to these life-changing opportunities.”

Enrollment Strength Across Campuses and Programs

Eighty percent of Riverland’s Fall 2025 enrollment comes from Riverland-hosted campuses and sites, while nearly 20 percent is driven by concurrent enrollment partnerships within area high schools. Farm Business Management alone accounts for 48.15 FYE this fall, with additional growth expected as the fall semester progresses.

Riverland continues to lead in high-demand career and technical fields. Top credit-generating departments include Biology, English, Electrician-Construction, Math, Psychology, and Cosmetology.

“This enrollment growth shows the strength of our students, our communities, and our dedicated employees,” said Kat Linaker, President of Riverland Community College. “When students can access high-quality programs close to home, supported by scholarships and partnerships, they thrive. We’re proud to be part of that success.”

Systemwide Growth, Local Commitment

Systemwide, Minnesota State’s Fall 2025 enrollment grew 4.2% — the third year in a row of enrollment increases. Riverland’s growth outpaces this trend, reflecting local investments in scholarships, accessible programs, and community partnerships.

“Riverland’s enrollment growth reflects our commitment to transforming lives through excellence in education, service, and career training,” Linaker said. “Each student represents a step toward building a stronger, more vibrant region—aligned with our mission to empower individuals and communities through accessible, high-quality learning.”