College Profile
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. Located about 25 miles northwest of New York City, RCC is set on a 175 acre campus in the safe suburban community of Suffern, New York. Its location is ideal for international students to enjoy New York City’s rich cultural diversity as well as the scenic Hudson Valley region of New York. Hundreds of international students from around the world have begun their American university education here at RCC, with most students continuing their studies at outstanding four year colleges and universities, including Columbia, MIT, SUNY Stony Brook, SUNY at Buffalo, and Cornell. In 2016, RCC was been named as one of the nation’s top 150 community colleges by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program.
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. 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.
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.
Demographics
7200 | Total Enrollment |
7200 | Undergraduate Enrollment |
188 | International Student Enrollment |
45% | Male |
55% | Female |
1:20 | Faculty-Student Ratio |
125 | Faculty: Full-Time |
400 | Faculty: Part-Time |
34 | Countries Represented |
Top 5 | Japan, Haiti, South Korea, China, Nigeria |
English as a Second Language Program and Services
Does your institution have an Intensive English Program?
No.
Does your institution provide courses of English as a Second Language to admitted students?
Yes all students are given an English placement test upon arrival and may be placed into our ESL courses if deemed necessary. Students will enroll in designated degree courses while taking the necessary ESL courses.
Additional ESL features include Free Tutoring, Reading and Writing Center
International Student Housing Options
RCC currently does not offer on-campus housing. International students who are in need of housing generally rent rooms or apartments off-campus in the surrounding area.
We have recently started working with the Stony Point Conference Center, located about 12 miles from campus in Stony Point, NY who are offering single and double rooms for RCC international students.
Students interested in homestays should contact Aunt Elsie’s Homestays.
In addition, International Student Services does have a limited list of available rooms and apartments in the area that we try to keep up to date. Our office can help guide students to what housing is available, but it is up to the student to find their own housing. To receive a list of local homestays that have contacted RCC, please email International Student Services at international@sunyrockland.edu.
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First Year, Transfer, and Graduate Students
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Financial Aid
Is financial aid available for international students?
Yes
International students currently enrolled at RCC can be considered for scholarships, funded through the RCC Foundation.
New international students currently are not eligible for scholarships, but may apply for a continuing student scholarship during the spring semester of their first year at RCC.
To apply for an RCC scholarship, students must meet the following:
- Completed at least 12 credits of college-level classes (ESL classes currently do not count towards the required 12 credits.)
- Have at least a 2.0 GPA
All scholarship awards will be applied to the following fall semester.
More information about what type of scholarships are available and the application process can be found on the RCC Foundation webpage.
Student Activities and Campus Life
RCC offers an exciting life beyond the classroom. With more than 40 clubs and student organizations, plus a full calendar of cultural, athletic and social events, our campus is fun, friendly and interesting. You can meet people from around the corner or around the world, and get involved in sports, community service, college publications, heritage celebrations and more.
You will also find a wide array of services designed to help you succeed in achieving your educational and personal goals. Our offices are staffed by caring and friendly people who are eager to help you navigate your way through the college experience. 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.
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