
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:
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)
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by Rochester Community and Technical College by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Horticulture (A)
- Equine Studies (A, C)
- Horticultural Science (A)
- Horse Husbandry, Equine Science and Management (C)
- Greenhouse Operations and Management
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (A)
- Administrative Assistant (A, C)
- Accounting (A)
- General Office Occupations and Clerical Services (C)
- Office Management and Supervision (A)
- Bookkeeping (C)
- Customer Service Management
- Data Entry Technology
- Human Resources Development
- Retailing and Retail Operations
- Special Products Marketing Operations
Communications and Journalism
- Media Studies (A)
- Communications (C)
- Multimedia (A)
Computer and Information Sciences
Construction Trades
- Property Management (A, C)
- Carpentry (C)
Education
- Physical Education (C)
- Music Teacher Education
Engineering
- Pre-Engineering (A)
Engineering Technology
- Cad Drafting (A, C)
- Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting cad (C)
- Architectural Drafting cad
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Development (A)
- Child Care Provider (C)
- Child Care
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing (A)
- Health Information and Medical Records Technology (A, C)
- Nursing Assistant (C)
- Medical Assistant (C)
- Health Unit Coordinator (C)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (C)
- Surgical Technologist (A)
- Veterinary Assistant (A)
- Dental Hygienist (A)
- Medical Executive Assistant (A)
- Dental Assistant (A, C)
- Clinical Research Coordinator (A, C)
- Medical Insurance Coding (C)
- Emergency Care Attendant (C)
- Medical Transcription (C)
- Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling (A, C)
- Histologic Technology (A)
- Electroneurodiagnostic, Electroencephalographic Technology (A)
- Health Services (A)
- Cardiovascular Technologist
- EMT & Paramedic
- Radiologic Technology
- Community Health Services, Liaison, Counseling
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Natural Sciences
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
Natural Resources and Conservation
Precision Production
- Welding (C)
Public Administration and Social Services
- Human Services (A, C)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
- Physical Fitness Technician (C)
- Sports Management (A)
- Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management
Security and Protective Services
- Police Science (A, C)
- Criminal Justice (A)
- Securities Services Administration and Management (C)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Graphic Design (A, C)
- Commercial Photography (C)
- Fine Arts and Studio Arts (A)
- Dance (C)
- Music Management (A)
- Digital Arts
- Music Technology
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)