SKIP to: User Groups, Site Search, Page content, Quick Links, Contact Information

Getting Started

Rochester Community and Technical College?

Expect Community.  RCTC is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.  RCTC is the oldest and one of the most innovative community colleges in Minnesota.  Students rate our campus and facilities and technology as one of the college's greatest strengths.

Expect Excellence.  RCTC faculty hold the academic credentials you'd expect -- they also have real life experience.  This sets us apart.  Our faculty live what they teach.

Expect Opportunity.  Whatever you want to be.  RCTC offers more than 70 programs and 100 credential options.  We offer convenience. RCTC is the fourth largest provider of online education in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. Eleven RCTC programs are offered completely online.

Expect Affordability.  An RCTC education is a smart investment.  An investment with a huge impact on your earning potential. Whether completing a degree or even a few courses, it adds up big over a lifetime. For every  $1 you spend, the State of Minnesota kicks in some too.  Take advantage of Minnesota's investment in you!  For current cost information click here.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Office of Financial Aid
A variety of financial aid programs are available to help make attendance at RCTC even more affordable.  To apply, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using RCTC's federal school code 002373.  For more information or to receive an application, call 507-285-7271.  The FAFSA can also be completed on-line at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Rochester Community and Technical College Foundation
Scholarships are available through the Rochester Community and Technical College Foundation in a variety of areas. The Foundation offers over 200 scholarship opportunities for new, returning and graduating students. Call 507-281-7771 for more information.

Steps to Getting Started at RCTC

1) Submit Application and non-refundable $20 application fee

2) Take the College Assessment
Your acceptance letter from the college will include information about the Academic Skills Assessment Program (Accuplacer test). We will assess your skills in math, reading, and writing. Scores will be used to determine appropriate first term course selections. You must apply to the college before taking the assessment. Call 507-285-7219 for further information about the assessment. Accommodations for students with disabilities can be arranged through the Office of Disability Services at 507-280-2968.

3) Attend a STAR
(Student Advising and Registration) Session. STAR includes large and small group activities and course registration. The session will last approximately two-and-a-half to three hours and is required for new students. The large group session provides helpful information for new students about the college, resources available and student activities. The small group provides an opportunity for students to meet with a counselor or advisor for assistance with course selection. During the small group, students will register for their courses. Further information will be provided after you apply to the college. Call 507-285-7219 with questions about STAR.

4) Other Important Getting Started Items
a. All students – request that transcripts be sent to RCTC from high school and previous colleges attended (if applicable).
b. Students applying for Financial Aid should complete and mail the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or complete the FAFSA on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
c. PSEO Students - special admission processes and requirements apply. Contact the Admissions and Records Office for more information.
d. Students with a Disability should send documentation to RCTC’s Disability Coordinator, Travis Kromminga.
e. ESL students must complete the ESL test prior to registration. Contact Enrollment Services for details.
f. Transfer Students must have all transcripts from previous schools attended sent to RCTC.
g. Students with Children – contact Civic League Day Nursery (on campus) at 507-285-7232 for more information.

Degree, Certificate and Diploma Options

Options
RCTC offers associate degrees, diplomas and certificates. Some of our programs are designed for transfer to a four-year college or university. Others are occupational and career focused and are primarily intended to prepare graduates for immediate employment upon graduation. Some of the occupational programs also transition smoothly to four-year institutions. Many degrees can be completed in Rochester through agreements with our partners, Winona State University and the University of Minnesota.

Following is a description of the degree, diploma and certificate options available to RCTC students.

Career and Occupational Programs
The following options are designed to prepare graduates for immediate employment. In some cases, either the entire program or portions of the program can be transferred to four-year colleges and universities for acceptance toward the completion of a bachelor’s degree. Please inquire with an RCTC representative if you are interested in transferring credits toward a four-year degree.

Option 1
The Associate in Science Degree (AS) is designed to meet both transfer and career training goals. The AS is granted in a specific major. Half of the course work is in the program area and half is from Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (general education and liberal arts). See description on “Transfer Programs” - below.

Option 2
The Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) is primarily intended for students who plan to use the competence gained through their degree for immediate employment. The AAS degree is granted in a specific major. Typically at least one-half of the course work is in the program area, approximately one-third is from the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (general education and liberal arts – see description below under Transfer Programs), and the balance of credits are either in the program area or general education depending on the program.

Option 3
The occupational Diplomas and Certificates are intended for students who want to focus on specific occupational skills for immediate employment or career advancement. The Certificates are the shortest duration programs at RCTC followed by Diplomas.

Transfer Programs
Smooth transfer of students to four-year colleges and universities for the completion of a four-year degree is one of RCTC’s primary goals. Our students transfer to public and private colleges and universities in Rochester, as well as throughout Minnesota and the United States. RCTC’s partnership with the University of Minnesota Rochester and Winona State University Rochester offers students career pathways in health sciences, education, technology, and business. Best of all, you can complete your educational goals from start to finish at RCTC. Students interested in transferring from RCTC to a four-year college typically follow one of the following three options:

Option 1
Associate in Arts (AA) Degree
RCTC offers a two-year Associate in Arts (AA)
Degree that is designed to provide a student
with the first half of a four-year degree. This 64
credit degree is composed of two parts:
- 40 general education credits from the
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (see option 3 below)
- 24 elective credits – electives are typically taken to satisfy pre-major requirements of the four-year major you plan to complete

Option 2
Associate in Science (AS) Degree
See “Career and Occupational Programs”.

Option 3
The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum
This curriculum is offered at all Minnesota public colleges and universities. While specific courses may vary, students are required to complete credits in each of the following areas to earn a degree at any Minnesota public college or university:

(1) Communication
(2) Humanities and Fine Arts
(3) Critical Thinking
(4) Human Diversity
(5) Natural Science
(6) Global Perspectives
(7) Mathematical or Logical Reasoning
(8) Ethical and Civic
Responsibility
(9) History and Social/Behavioral Science
(10) People and the Environment

Option 4
Other Transfer Options
Some students may elect to transfer prior to receiving the AA degree or completing the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum. In some cases, the major may require transfer prior to completing the AA or the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum. In other cases the student may elect to transfer earlier. Prior to transferring, the student is encouraged to consult a counselor for input on the transfer process.

When should I?  A Timeline for New Students.

• Apply to Rochester Community and Technical College - Apply as early as possible. We take applications on a first-come, first-served basis. By applying early you increase your chances of securing the classes or program of your choice.
• Apply for Financial Aid - While the Office of Financial Aid processes applications for financial aid on an ongoing basis, it is recommended that you apply as early as possible. To be sure you have completed the appropriate application forms, contact the Office of Financial Aid at 507-285-7271 or e-mail us at financialaid@roch.edu.
• Take the Assessment - After receiving your application, we will send you information about the college assessment. Select a day and time convenient for you. No reservation is necessary, so complete the assessment as early as possible.
• Register for Courses - registration for new students takes place during the STAR program.
•  Send Transcripts from previous college(s) attended - to have transcripts evaluated prior to the start of the semester you intend to start at RCTC we must receive official copies by: two weeks prior to the beginning of each semester.
•  Buy Books - purchase your books as soon as possible after registering.

Important Phone Numbers
Academic Advising 285-7119
Admissions & Records 285-7268
Athletic Department 285-7273
Bookstore 285-7202
Counseling 285-7260
Enrollment Services 285-7219
Financial Aid 285-7271
Office of Disability Services 280-2968
TTY 800-627-3529

Counseling and Advising Services
Professional counselors and advisors are available by appointment or on a walk-in basis to provide academic, career and personal counseling. Counselors also teach courses designed to enhance academic success, personal success, career development and decision-making.  The Counseling and Advising Center provides up-to-date information on careers and educational planning through a fully computerized guidance system as well as printed materials and videotapes.

Our Admissions Policy
If you are a high school graduate or hold a GED, or if you are not a high school graduate but your class has graduated, you are generally eligible for admission. Rochester Community and Technical College is an Equal Opportunity College with an approved affirmative action plan. Admission to Rochester Community and Technical College is based upon stated academic requirements regardless of race, creed, color, national origin or sex. For more information, call 507-285-7219.

Campus Visits and Getting to RCTC
Go to RCTC on the web to reserve your spot for a Preview Day or an individual visit at:

http://www.rctc.edu/admissions/pre/visit_rctc.html

You can also contact our Enrollment Services Office at 507.285.7219 or 1.800.247.1296 for more information on visit dates, times and openings. Visitors and guests can park in the student areas (yellow lots) which are located on the north, east and west sides of the College. You will be sent a parking pass when you register for a visit. Enter the building at the main Atrium entrance. Signs will be posted and you can check in at the information desk. Thousands of people visit our campus each year. You should too!

http://www.rctc.edu/campustour/getting-to-ucr.html