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Public, 2-year

Rochester Community and Technical College

Rochester, Minnesota · www.rctc.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$6,389

$14,589 with room and board

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

5,205

Student-faculty ratio 23:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

26.1%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 29.8%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) is a prominent educational institution located in Rochester, Minnesota. Established in 1916, RCTC has a rich history of providing quality education and vocational training to its diverse student body. One of the key features of RCTC is its commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. The college's mission emphasizes student success, personal growth, and community development, which is reflected in its comprehensive range of programs and services designed to meet the needs of all students.

RCTC offers a variety of academic programs, including associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in fields such as health sciences, business, and technology. The college is well-equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories and learning spaces that enhance the educational experience. RCTC also boasts a dedicated faculty who are committed to mentoring and guiding students throughout their academic journey. Additionally, the college promotes a vibrant campus culture, with numerous student organizations, activities, and athletic programs that encourage student engagement and community involvement. RCTC’s strategic location in Rochester, a city known for its thriving economy and as a hub for healthcare and technology industries, further enhances the career prospects for its graduates, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to advance their education and careers.

Analysis of Key Data Trends at Rochester Community and Technical College

Rochester Community and Technical College has shown noteworthy trends in various areas, particularly tuition costs, student enrollment, and graduation rates. Over the years, the tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has fluctuated, with significant increases observed in recent years. For instance, the tuition rose from $5,608 in 2014 to $6,359 in 2024, marking an increase of approximately 13.3%. This trend reflects a broader national concern regarding the rising costs of higher education, which can deter prospective students from enrolling.

Another critical trend is the decline in student enrollment. The number of undergraduate students decreased from 6,275 in 2013 to just 4,482 by 2023, representing a staggering drop of about 28.5%. This decline in enrollment could be attributed to various factors, including a competitive job market that may discourage students from pursuing further education or a shift in population demographics.

In terms of academic performance, graduation rates have seen some variability. The percentage of students graduating on time (within 100% of the expected time) was only 17.9% in 2023, which is relatively low. However, the extended graduation rate (150% of the expected time) has improved to approximately 27.4% during the same year. This indicates that while many students may struggle to graduate within the standard timeframe, there is a gradual improvement in longer-term completion rates.

Moreover, the gender ratio among undergraduate students has shifted, with the proportion of female students increasing from approximately 60.5% in 2014 to about 63.3% in 2023. This shift may signal changing societal norms regarding gender roles in education, as more women pursue higher education.

In conclusion, the data illustrates a complex picture of Rochester Community and Technical College, characterized by rising tuition, declining enrollment, fluctuating graduation rates, and shifting gender demographics. These trends warrant further examination as they could influence the institution's strategic planning and future policies.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Midsize city
Nearest major city
Minneapolis, about 80 mi
Nearest international airport
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), about 70 mi
Rochester, Minnesota
Also known as
RCTC
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Jeffery Boyd, Ed.D. (President)
Phone
5072857245
City
Rochester, Minnesota
Address
851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904-4999

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate70811 international (1.6%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
244
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
126
Computer Science
33
Business/Commerce, General
30
Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
20
Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant
19
Business Administration and Management, General
19
Dental Assisting/Assistant
18
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer
18
Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
16

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Rochester Community and Technical College

The graduation data from Rochester Community and Technical College in 2023 reveals several noteworthy trends across various programs. A significant observation is the predominance of associate degree graduates, particularly in the health services field. Registered Nursing stands out with a remarkable 108 graduates, highlighting the growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals amidst ongoing public health challenges. This aligns with national trends where nursing positions are consistently in high demand, especially in the post-pandemic recovery phase.

Moreover, the data indicates a complete absence of bachelor’s and master’s degree graduates across most disciplines. This suggests that the college primarily focuses on associate degree programs, which cater to immediate workforce needs. The lack of graduates at higher degree levels might reflect the institution's strategic direction, which emphasizes vocational training and swift entry into the job market, particularly in sectors like healthcare and applied sciences.

In terms of international students, there is a notable scarcity of graduates in all categories, pointing towards a potential area for growth. The international student enrollment could be enhanced by promoting programs that are in high demand globally, such as nursing and technology.

Overall, the graduation data indicates a strong commitment towards meeting local workforce needs, particularly in health-related fields, while also highlighting opportunities for growth in attracting international students and expanding degree offerings beyond the associate level. As the landscape of education continues to evolve, addressing these areas could greatly enhance the college's impact and relevance in the community.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 248 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.-
Dental Assisting/Assistant.$58,015
Dental Hygiene/Hygienist.$58,015
Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician.$49,928-$50,500
Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary.$49,928-$50,500
Cardiovascular Technology/Technologist.$63,662
Electroneurodiagnostic/Electroencephalographic Technology/Technologist.$63,662
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).$63,662
Surgical Technology/Technologist.$63,662
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer.$63,662
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/Technician.$63,662
Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$72,562
Liberal arts has 244 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$40,810
Businesshas 68 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business/Commerce, General.-
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Accounting.-
Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General.-
Computer and information sciencehas 36 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Information Science/Studies.-
Computer Science.-
Agricultural has 19 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant.$43,039
Visual and Performing artshas 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Graphic Design.-
Fine/Studio Arts, General.-
Music Technology.-
Homeland security has 16 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.$57,057-$63,394
Criminal Justice/Police Science.$57,057-$63,394
Public administrationhas 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Human Services, General.-
Social Work.-
Biologyhas 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Biomedical Sciences, General.-
Construction trades has 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Building/Property Maintenance.$57,759-$62,251
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Natural Sciences.-
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.-
Communication has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Mass Communication/Media Studies.-
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.-
Physical scienceshas 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Chemistry, General.-
Educationhas 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.-
Engineeringhas 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Pre-Engineering.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.-
Natural resources has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Environmental Science.-

Students

5,205 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 38:62 · Freshman retention 58.2%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (5,205)

White
3,257 · 62.6%
Black
779 · 15.0%
Hispanic
462 · 8.9%
Asian
280 · 5.4%
Two or more races
251 · 4.8%
Unknown
111 · 2.1%
International
36 · 0.7%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Rochester Community and Technical College in 2023

The student body at Rochester Community and Technical College in 2023 shows a diverse mix of new and continuing undergraduate students, as well as graduate students. Among the new undergraduate students, there are 729, with a nearly balanced gender ratio, where 49.2% are male and 50.8% are female. This indicates a welcoming environment for both genders at the initial stages of college education.

However, the data reveals a significant gender disparity among continuing undergraduate students, where only 33.9% are male and a striking 66.1% are female. This discrepancy raises questions about retention rates and the factors influencing female students to continue their studies compared to their male counterparts. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing strategies that can support both genders effectively throughout their academic journeys.

Graduate students show a similar trend in gender distribution, with only 34.9% male representation compared to 65.1% female. This further emphasizes the increasing participation of women in higher education, particularly in graduate programs, which aligns with national trends indicating a growing female presence in advanced studies.

The ethnic breakdown of the student body is crucial for understanding the cultural diversity within the college. While specific numbers for the various ethnic groups are not available, the overall composition suggests a need for ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and support for underrepresented groups, especially given the challenges many face in higher education.

In conclusion, the data from Rochester Community and Technical College highlights important trends in gender representation, particularly the predominance of female students in continuing education and graduate studies. These insights can inform institutional policies aimed at fostering an equitable and supportive learning environment for all students.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Rochester Community and Technical College

The age composition of students at Rochester Community and Technical College reveals several interesting trends. The majority of the student body is comprised of those under 18 and those aged 18-19, with a significant count of 338 males and 688 females under 18, followed closely by 501 males and 619 females in the 18-19 age bracket. This suggests that the college attracts a large number of traditional-aged students, likely fresh out of high school.

As we progress into older age groups, there is a noticeable decline in enrollment. For instance, the 20-21 age group has 254 males and 386 females, while the 22-24 age group sees a further decrease to 171 males and 304 females. This pattern continues, with even fewer students in the older brackets, indicating a potential gap in engagement for students beyond their early twenties.

The absence of graduate students in the data could suggest that the college primarily serves undergraduate populations or that there is a lack of graduate programs available. The data shows a stark contrast in participation rates among different age groups, with the under-18 demographic being the most populous. This could reflect broader trends in community college enrollment, where younger students are drawn to the affordability and accessibility of education, especially in light of rising tuition costs at four-year institutions.

Overall, these statistics highlight the importance of understanding student demographics in order to tailor educational offerings and support services that effectively meet the needs of the diverse age groups represented within the college community.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.7%

36 in 2025 · 1.5% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 1.5%2017: 2.2%2018: 1.4%2019: 1.1%2020: 0.9%2021: 0.7%2022: 0.8%2023: 1.1%2024: 1.0%2025: 0.7%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Rochester Community and Technical College

The data on international student enrollment at Rochester Community and Technical College reveals a notable trend over the years from 2004 to 2023. Initially, the institution had a relatively stable number of international students, with percentages hovering around 1% to 2%. However, a significant increase was observed in 2016, where the percentage peaked at 1.54%, likely reflecting the growing global interest in American education.

The following year, 2017, saw even higher enrollment, reaching a peak of 114 international students, translating to an impressive 2.16% of the total undergraduate population. This surge could be attributed to various factors, including changes in immigration policies, increased international recruitment efforts, or broader global trends that encourage students to study abroad.

Unfortunately, after this notable peak, there has been a consistent decline in the number of international students, especially from 2018 onwards. By 2021, the percentage dropped to a concerning 0.66%, indicating challenges that may stem from the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted international travel and student mobility.

The data reflects the fluctuating landscape of international education and highlights the importance of addressing barriers to enrollment. As institutions adapt to the changing dynamics of global education, it will be crucial for Rochester Community and Technical College to develop strategies that can attract and support international students, ensuring a diverse educational environment that benefits all students.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$14,589

Undergraduate tuition
$6,389
Room and board
$8,200
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 13% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 14%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$56.1M

Government grants and contracts
$35.7M63.6%
Tuition and fees
$13.2M23.6%
Auxiliary enterprises
$3.0M5.4%
Sales and services of educational activities
$1.8M3.2%
Investment return
$891K1.6%
Gifts and private grants
$39K0.1%
Other
$1.4M2.6%

Expenses$52.9M

Instruction
$25.4M47.9%
Academic support
$8.8M16.6%
Student services
$7.8M14.7%
Institutional support
$7.1M13.4%
Auxiliary enterprises
$3.2M6.0%
Scholarships
$1.6M3.1%
Public service
$162K0.3%
Other
-$1.1M-2.0%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$88,281peers $68,588
Instructor
$88,281peers $61,593

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
2025
NJCAA Division III MENWOMEN
Football76-
Baseball29-
Basketball1311
Wrestling23-
Soccer-14
Volleyball-13
Softball-11
2024
NJCAA Division IIIMENWOMEN
Football78-
Baseball30-
Basketball1810
Wrestling23-
Soccer-15
Softball-10
Volleyball-10
2023
NJCAA Division IIIMENWOMEN
Football79-
Baseball30-
Basketball1910
Wrestling26-
Soccer-20
Volleyball-14
Softball-13

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here is a brief introduction to some notable schools near Rochester Community and Technical College:

  1. Carleton College - Ranked 9th in the 2024 US News rankings, Carleton College is a prestigious liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus life.

  2. Macalester College - This highly regarded liberal arts college ranks 27th and is recognized for its commitment to internationalism, diversity, and social justice.

  3. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - As a major research university, it ranks 53rd and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.

  4. University of Wisconsin-Madison - This renowned institution is ranked 35th and is known for its research capabilities and vibrant student life, offering a diverse array of programs.

  5. Saint John's University - Ranked 82nd, this liberal arts university is known for its strong academic programs and beautiful campus, providing a rich educational experience.

These institutions offer a range of educational opportunities and are an integral part of the academic landscape surrounding Rochester Community and Technical College.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Drug arrests
3
Burglary
2
Fondling
1
Motor vehicle theft
1
Drug referrals
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Rochester Community and Technical College

The crime data from Rochester Community and Technical College reveals fluctuating trends over the years. In 2013, the average crime rate was relatively low at 0.06 incidents per 1,000 students, indicating a safe environment for students. However, 2015 saw a spike with an increase to 0.54, followed by a notable rise in 2018, where the rate reached 1.06. This suggests some underlying issues that may have contributed to the increase in incidents, potentially including factors such as increased enrollment or a rise in reported crimes.

Interestingly, certain years experienced a complete absence of reported crimes, such as in 2014 and 2019, which might reflect improvements in campus security measures or a change in reporting practices. Conversely, the highest reported crime rates from 2016 and 2018 warrant further investigation into the types of crimes committed. The data shows that incidents of gun-related arrests and drug-related arrests were recorded, indicating that these issues are prevalent within the campus environment.

The ongoing fluctuations in crime rates are concerning and highlight the necessity for continuous efforts to enhance safety on campus. Engaging the community in crime prevention strategies and improving support services could help address these issues. Furthermore, the increasing trend of certain crimes points to the need for awareness campaigns and education on the impacts of substance abuse and domestic violence.

For more detailed insights on crime rates and how they are calculated, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.