About the College

Rockland Community College (RCC) is one of the 64 institutions in the State University of New York (SUNY), one of the largest university systems in the United States.

It is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges. RCC provides the first two years of an American university education, with most students continuing their studies at outstanding four year colleges and universities, including Columbia, MIT, SUNY Stony Brook, Pace University, NYU, SUNY at Buffalo, and Cornell.

Academics

To prepare you for transfer or career, RCC offers about 50 flexible degree and certificate programs in a range of the humanities, social sciences, arts, technology, business, health professions, mathematics and sciences.  The Associate of Arts (AA) and the Associate of Science (AS) degree programs enable students to prepare for transfer and the eventual completion of a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree programs are designed to prepare students for immediate entry into a career.

Some of our most popular programs include: Engineering Science, Graphic Design and Computer Graphics, International Business, Environmental Science, Computer, Communication Media Arts, Criminal Justice, Cyber Security, Teacher Education, Nursing, Hospitality and Tourism, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Paralegal Studies, Performing Arts and Speech/Communication Studies.

In addition to our award-winning faculty, we offer internship opportunities, study abroad, and a campus culture that supports you as you work towards your personal and professional goals.

Location

Rockland Community College, located about 25 miles northwest of New York City, is set on a 175 acre campus in the safe suburban community of Suffern, New York. Its location is ideal for students to enjoy New York City's rich cultural diversity as well as the scenic Hudson Valley region of New York.

Located in the Northeast region of the U.S., students will experience all four seasons at RCC, with average temperatures being 80°F/27°C in summer and 41°F/5°C during the winter.

Student Services

International students will find a variety of offices on campus to help with transition to the College and U.S. life.  International Student Services is an international student’s first point of contact, providing services ranging from admission to the College, immigration, and international orientation.  International students will also be able to participate in a variety of on-campus and off-campus events, including International Thanksgiving, Multicultural Festival, trips to New York City, discounted movie theater tickets, trips to local amusement parks, etc. 

Other services at RCC include:

• Student Involvement, including 40 student clubs & organizations
• Career Services
• Accessibility Services
• Academic Advising
• Academic Success Center
• Free tutoring and peer mentoring
• Counseling

Honors Program

At RCC, our nationally recognized Sam Draper Mentor/Talented Student Honors Program offers students the challenges and rewards of deeper discourse and a personalized mentoring relationship with your professors. Enrolling in the Honors Program enables you to save as much as $100,000 on the cost of your bachelor’s degree without sacrificing the quality of your education. More than 3,000 students have graduated from the M/TS Honors Program since its founding in 1977.

Students enrolled in our honors program are assigned a personal faculty mentor, have access to top level honors classes, and have the opportunity to study abroad at Cambridge University in England.   Students who complete the Honors Program with an academic average of 3.5 or higher have a very high rate of transferring to virtually any four-year college or university they choose. Ivy League and Tier One college recruiters seek out RCC honors students for transfer because of the program’s reputation for producing students with a proven ability.

Admission Requirements

Applying to RCC is very simple.  All international students (F-1) must submit the following for admission:

• A complete application
• Secondary school transcripts and completion certificates in English.  All students must have equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma
• Proof of English Proficiency
• Proof of financial support
• Copy of passport information page

All students must take an English and Math placement exam upon arrival before they can register for classes. Students will be placed into ESL developmental courses if needed based on the exam results. Our ESL classes are intended for students with an intermediate level of English.  Students will still be enrolled in their Associates degree while taking ESL courses and will be able to take certain degree courses.

Tuition, Scholarships and Housing

RCC offers high quality education at reasonable cost. The cost to attend RCC is equivalent to approximately 1/3 of the cost at a four-year institution.  Current tuition for one semester is estimated at $5,350 (subject to change).

Once enrolled at RCC, international students can apply for various scholarships through the RCC Foundation.  Scholarship amounts range, with the minimum being $500.

RCC has partnered with Ramapo College to provide housing for RCC students.  Ramapo College is located approximately 8 miles from RCC's Suffern Campus.  Ramapo has over 2000 of its own students living on its beautiful campus and offers state of the art facilities, which RCC students would have access to.  RCC students are housed in Bischoff Hall and housing includes the following: