Rockland Community College

Suffern, New York, United States · Est. 1959 · Community College

Affordable SUNY community college in Rockland County offering 35+ degree programs and workforce development.

  • Founded 1959 as the 18th SUNY community college
  • Public community college serving ~5,400 undergraduates (fall 2025)
  • Located in Suffern, NY with extension sites in Nyack and Orangeburg
  • 175-acre main campus on historic almshouse grounds
  • Four academic schools: Business & Professional Studies; Arts, Education, Humanities & Social Sciences; Nursing, Health & Wellness; STEM
  • Ranked #1 community college in NY for adult learners (Washington Monthly 2017); HEED Award winner five consecutive years

Academics

Rockland Community College offers 35 associate degree programs and 20+ certificate opportunities across four schools. The college emphasizes workforce development, career readiness, and transfer pathways to four-year institutions. Notable programs include Maritime Studies (the nation's first), Hospitality and Culinary Arts, Nursing, Engineering, and Business. The college also operates high school dual enrollment, English Skills Academy for ESL students, and Cambridge University study abroad programs.

Campus & Student Life

The main campus occupies 175 acres in Suffern on the grounds of a former almshouse and farmland. Facilities include the Technology Center, Academic buildings, Cultural Arts Center, Eugene Levy Fieldhouse, and the 211 Connection Center providing student support services. The college hosts 40+ student clubs and organizations. Athletics compete in the Mid-Hudson Conference and NJCAA Region XV, with recent championships in baseball, basketball, golf, and volleyball. The campus includes a veterans cemetery honoring Korean War casualties.

Admissions

RCC offers open admissions for first-year students and welcomes transfer students. High school juniors and seniors can enroll in dual enrollment programs at partner high schools for $50 per course (versus $236 per credit for standard tuition). The college requires placement testing for English and Math. Non-matriculated high school students are limited to 11 credits per semester and ineligible for financial aid. Admissions pathways include regular decision and transfer admission.

Outcomes & Support

RCC emphasizes student success through personalized advising, small class sizes (average 14 students), and comprehensive support services including tutoring, accessibility services, and career counseling. The college has received recognition for diversity and inclusion, including HEED Awards five consecutive years and HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) designation. Notable alumni include NY State Senator David Carlucci, film director Abel Ferrara, and NBA coach Bruce Kreutzer.

Founded
1959
Type
Community College
Courses
13
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationState University of New York (SUNY)
Websitehttps://www.sunyrockland.edu
HousingNot available
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
13
Avg career outcomes
$50.2K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
No
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources