Rochester Community and Technical College

1501 Highway 71, International Falls, MN

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.