Rochester Community and Technical College

About

Rochester Community and Technical College, located in Rochester, Minnesota was founded 1915 as a junior college, with classes initially offered in a building in downtown Rochester. The college experienced growth, particularly after the second World War, resulting in the need to a larger campus in 1968. The vocational and technical institute was founded in 1969, and by 1996 the schools had formed Rochester Community and Technical College through legislation that required community and technical colleges located in the same city to merge into a single entity. RCTC is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System which is comprised of 32 universities and colleges and is the oldest post secondary institution in the state.

Academics
Rochester Community and Technical College offers a variety of programs designed to assist individuals interested in career development or academic transfer. Career development programs allow students to gain the skills and abilities necessary for employment in their field of study through theoretical and practical courses that allow for methods and techniques learned to be implemented and practiced in simulated settings. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a certificate or degree that demonstrates competency.

Academic transfer programs allow students to complete the first two years of a four year education, followed by transfer to a college or university to complete a bachelor's degree in one's desired major. Transfer is eased for students applying to a Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System school. In addition, students may continue their education specifically at Winona State University through the “Path to Purple” program. Individuals seeking transfer to out of state or private schools should meet with a counselor to discuss curriculum and transfer requirements for the desired school or schools.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Business
• Criminal Justice
• Graphic Design
• Photography

Admissions and Financial Aid
Rochester Community and Technical College is a public, two year, open enrollment institution that allows any individual seeking enrollment to do so if they meet the minimum requirements for entry, submit a completed application, and pay all accrued fees. Students should supply transcripts and test scores and take the placement exam if deemed necessary.Additionally, students are encouraged to participate in new student orientation and meet with a counselor determine goals, curriculum and program enrollment.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which will be used to determine a student's financial need and aid program eligibility prior to supplying a financial aid packet. Aid must be reapplied for prior to the start of each academic year, and some students may be chosen at random to supply additional financial information to verify the FAFSA's accuracy as per new federal regulations. Scholarships may be applied separately from external sources, each with their own criterion and reasons for awarding funds.

Estimated Costs & Financial Aid

The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $14,500. To calculate a more personalized cost visit the net price calculator. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.

Tuition & Fees Information

• The estimated tuition range is around $4,900-$5,900 per year
• Part time students pay in the range of $160 to $200 per unit

Financial Aid Details

The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.

	Percent of Students	Average Amount
Any Financial Aid	81%	-
Receiving Grants & Scholarships	60%	$4,274
Receiving Student Loans	58%	$5,217

Admissions, Academics, & Student Services

Student Services

To help support students, Rochester Community and Technical College may provide services like:

• Online classes
• Remedial courses
• Academic counseling for students
• Student employment

Graduation & Transfer Rates

Community colleges often offer both career training programs and options for students to transfer-out to four year institutions, which is why the table below is so important, it compares Rochester Community and Technical College against community colleges in Minnesota.

	Rochester Community and Technical College	Olmsted County	Minnesota
Graduation Rate	19.4%	-	27.3%
Transfer-out Rate	27.7%	-	21.3%

Specialized Programs & Accreditations

• Dental Assistant Program
  • Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 1972)
• Dental Hygienist Program
  • Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 1991)
• Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
  • Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1971)
  • See a list of all associate's degree in nursing (ADN) programs in Minnesota
• Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program
  • Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1978)

Other Community Colleges Nearby

The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Rochester Community and Technical College.

• Riverland Community College in Austin, MN (37 miles away)
• Minnesota State College - Southeast Technical in Winona, MN (40 miles away)
• Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount, MN (60 miles away)
• Western Technical College - La Crosse in La Crosse, WI (60 miles away)
• Northeast Iowa Community College - Calmar in Calmar, IA (64 miles away)