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Rockland Community College has been ranked the No. 4 community college out of 30 in New York state for quality and affordability, according to WalletHub’s 2025 “Best & Worst Community Colleges” study.
WalletHub’s study evaluated more than 650 two-year institutions nationwide using 19 key indicators, including cost and financing, graduation rates, educational outcomes and career success. RCC’s No. 4 ranking underscores the college’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education that delivers strong outcomes for students in the New York metropolitan region.
Why RCC stands out in the New York metro region
- Exceptional academic offerings: Part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, RCC offers 38 programs in the humanities, social sciences, arts, technologies, business, health professions, mathematics and sciences, including 35 associate degrees and three one-year certificate programs. In addition, RCC offers 12 Workforce Development programs that provide opportunities to gain industry-specific certificates or transfer into degree programs.
- Committed faculty and supportive learning environment: RCC’s 388 full-time and part-time faculty include Fulbright scholars, SUNY Chancellor’s Award winners, published authors and artists. The average class size of 14 allows faculty members to work one-on-one with students.
- Affordability and financial aid: For the 2025-26 academic year, in-state full-time tuition is $5,664 — a fraction of the cost of other institutions. More than $14.7 million in financial assistance is awarded to students each year, including grants, loans and work-study programs. The Rockland Community College Foundation also provides more than $350,000 annually in student support and scholarships.
- Strong transfer pathways: Most RCC graduates transfer to leading colleges and universities across the country and abroad, including Yale, Cornell, Amherst, Columbia, Caltech, Fordham, New York University, Wesleyan, Georgetown, Brandeis, UCLA, Parsons School of Design and numerous SUNY and CUNY colleges. To support the transfer process, RCC maintains multiple transfer agreements with public and private four-year institutions.
Beginning in fall 2025, RCC will also offer free tuition for eligible adults through SUNY Reconnect, a statewide initiative designed to help more New Yorkers earn a college degree. The program is available to state residents ages 25 to 55 who have not previously completed a college degree and who enroll in associate degree programs in high-demand fields.
“Receiving a No. 4 ranking in New York is a powerful affirmation of RCC’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, student success and community impact,” said Dr. William P. Mullaney, president of Rockland Community College. “We remain dedicated to offering affordable, high-quality education that opens pathways to lifelong opportunity for every learner in our diverse and dynamic region.”
About Rockland Community College
Founded in 1959, Rockland Community College (RCC) provides students with a high-quality education that is both affordable and accessible. RCC offers 35 degree and 3 certificate programs, and a faculty that includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors. In addition to its main campus in Suffern, RCC operates a Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center in Nyack, and its Automotive Technology Center in Orangeburg. For more information about RCC, please visit sunyrockland.edu.
