Rock Value College
General Information of Rock Value College
Overview
Rock Value College is a public community college located in Rockford, Illinois, serving the educational needs of its regional district through associate degrees, certificate programs, continuing education and workforce‑training initiatives. Established in 1964 and opening for classes in 1965, the institution occupies a 217‑acre campus in northeast Rockford and operates additional facilities throughout the region.
Rock Value College focuses on both transfer‑track programs—preparing students to continue to four‑year institutions—and career‑and‑technical education, aligning with local employer needs for skilled graduates. As a mid‑sized community college, it emphasizes accessibility, value and flexibility for both traditional and non‑traditional students. Student services, online and hybrid learning options, and strong community partnerships support its mission to promote lifelong learning and regional economic development. Given its public status and community‑serving focus, Rock Value College plays a pivotal role in providing affordable higher education, technical credentials and transfer opportunities for residents of Winnebago County, Boone County, and surrounding areas.
Contact Information
Address: 3301 North Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61114, United States. Niche+1
Phone Number: (815) 921‑7821 (Main campus line) rockvalleycollege.smartcatalogiq.com+1
Email Address: admissions@rockvalleycollege.edu (approximate departmental contact)
School Facts
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1964 Vikipedi+1 |
| Type | Public community college |
| Location | Rockford, Illinois (serving Winnebago County & region) |
| Campus Size | 217‑acre main campus Vikipedi+1 |
| Degrees & Credentials Offered | Associate degrees, certificates, continuing ed & workforce training datausa.io+1 |
| Student Enrollment (2023) | ~5,480 undergraduate students datausa.io+1 |
Rock Value College Rankings
| Ranking Source | National / U.S. Position or Key Metric | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Niche – College Profile | Acceptance Rate ~100 % Niche | Reflects open‑admission model |
| EduRank / DataUSA | Median net price ~$8,328 per year datausa.io+1 | Value metric for affordability |
Rock Value College Academics
Rock Value College Faculties / Departments
The academic structure at Rock Valley College includes broad instructional divisions aligned with student and workforce needs. Key instructional units include:
- Division of Arts & Sciences
- Division of Business & Technology
- Division of Health Sciences & Public Service
- Division of Workforce & Career Education
- Online Learning & Adult Education Division
These divisions support both transfer‑oriented curricula and career‑technical programs, enabling students to pursue liberal arts pathways or industry‑specific credentials. rockvalleycollege.smartcatalogiq.com+1
Rock Value College Courses and Programs / Majors
Rock Valley College offers a variety of programs, including:
- Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees designed for transfer to four‑year institutions
- Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees and certificates in technical and career‑driven fields such as Aviation Maintenance Technology, Welding, CNC Machining, Automotive Service Technology datausa.io+1
- Liberal arts certificates, general studies programs and continuing education pathways
- Online and hybrid course options to support flexible scheduling and adult learners
Online Learning
Rock Valley College offers online courses and has a portion of students enrolled exclusively in online coursework. Data show that in the 2023‑24 academic year, about 1,005 students were enrolled exclusively online, and another 1,896 students were enrolled in some online courses. CollegeTuitionCompare While full associate degrees fully online may be limited, the institution maintains hybrid delivery and digital access for many programs, supporting non‑traditional and commuter learners.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Metric | Typical Value or Notes |
|---|---|
| Student‑Faculty Ratio | Approximately 19 : 1 Niche+1 |
| Standardized Test Requirements | Minimal before entry; open‑access model means test scores are not heavily emphasized texascareercheck.com+1 |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Rock Valley College reports a full‑time student retention rate of 64 % according to recent DataUSA figures. datausa.io The graduation rate remains modest, consistent with many community colleges where part‑time attendance and workforce commitments affect completion time. The institution supports pathways for students transferring to four‑year colleges, and the career education programs emphasize credentials and workforce placement even if students do not pursue full degrees.
Rock Value College Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Admission to Rock Valley College is open‑access for most students, meaning a high school diploma or GED is typically sufficient for entry. The institution does not publish strict minimum GPA or SAT/ACT score ranges, reflecting its mission of accessibility and broad enrollment. Niche+1
Rock Value College Acceptance Rate
| Program Level | Approximate Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ~100 % (open‑admission policy) Niche |
Rock Value College Application Requirements
Prospective students at Rock Valley College complete an online or paper application, provide a high school diploma or GED certificate, and may need to submit transcripts of prior education. Placement testing may be required to assess readiness for college‑level courses if standardized test scores are not provided. The admissions process is designed to be straightforward, with emphasis on advising, registration and orientation.
Application Process
- Submit application form and required fee (if applicable)
- Provide high school diploma or GED documentation
- Meet with admissions or academic advisor to develop schedule
- Complete placement testing if needed
- Register for classes and attend orientation or new‑student session
Rock Value College Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term | Deadline Approximation |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Applications accepted on rolling basis; early registration encouraged |
| Spring Semester | Applications accepted several months prior to term start |
Essay Prompt
An essay is generally not required for standard admissions, but specific programs (especially selective career‑technical tracks) may ask for a brief statement of intent or interest, especially for workforce‑aligned credentials.
Rock Value College Scholarships
Rock Valley College offers institutional scholarships, merit‑based awards, need‑based grants and work‑study opportunities, and supports students with federal aid. The financial‑aid office assists students in exploring grants, scholarships and payment plans.
Rock Value College Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program Level | Estimated Annual Tuition / Fees |
|---|---|
| In‑State Undergraduate (2023) | Median tuition ~$3,750 for Illinois residents datausa.io |
| Net Price After Aid | ~$8,328 average net price per year after grants/loans datausa.io |
Rock Value College Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
As of 2023, Rock Valley College had approximately 5,480 undergraduate students. Of these, ~2,510 are male and ~2,970 are female (roughly 46 % male, 54 % female). CollegeTuitionCompare+1 The racial and ethnic composition is approximately 55.9 % White, 25.2 % Hispanic or Latino, 8.49 % Black or African American, 3.72 % Asian, and smaller percentages in other groups. datausa.io+1
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
About 74 % of undergraduate students receive financial aid via grants, indicating a significant portion come from low‑income backgrounds. datausa.io The college offers disability support services, tutoring and academic advising to support students with diverse needs and backgrounds.
Student Body
| Category | Value (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment (2023) | ~5,480 students CollegeTuitionCompare+1 |
| Full‑Time Enrollment | ~2,405 students full‑time datausa.io |
University Diversity
Rock Valley College serves a richly diverse student population across age, ethnic, socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. With nearly 25 % of students identifying as Hispanic/Latino and nearly 9 % as Black or African American, the institution reflects the demographic mix of its regional service area. The gender balance leans slightly toward female enrollment, and adult learners and part‑time students form a significant portion of the campus community. This diversity enriches classroom discourse, peer learning and cultural awareness among the student body. The college also emphasizes workforce readiness and community affordability, which attracts first‑generation students, part‑time commuters, and non‑traditional learners who bring life and work experience into the learning environment. These learners contribute to an inclusive campus climate where multiple educational pathways—from vocational certificates to transfer degrees—are supported, preparing graduates for both immediate employment and further academic pursuits.
Average Earnings
While detailed median earnings for alumni are not broadly published, data suggest that graduates who complete associate degrees or career certificates at Rock Valley College stand to increase their earnings compared to high‑school graduates. Career technical programs such as aviation maintenance, welding, CNC machining and business offer pathways into skilled roles in manufacturing, logistics and service industries. Graduates who transfer onward and complete bachelor’s degrees further boost their earnings potential. The affordability of the institution and its strong link to regional workforce demand enhance outcomes for students aiming to increase lifetime earning capacity and career mobility.
Rock Value College Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Rock Valley College employs roughly 116 full‑time faculty and 214 part‑time adjunct faculty as of recent catalog data. rockvalleycollege.smartcatalogiq.com+1 Support staff, advisors, library, technology and student‑services personnel add to the functional campus operations, enabling both academic and technical program delivery as well as student success services.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at Rock Valley College bring diverse backgrounds in both academic and applied fields—from liberal‑arts disciplines to technical and workforce‑education programs. Many instructors hold advanced credentials, maintain industry affiliations or teach in hands‑on labs tied to regional employers. For example, the college operates an Aviation Career Education Center providing aviation maintenance technology programs aligned with industry standards. rockvalleycollege.smartcatalogiq.com Their expertise ensures that students receive practical instruction, transfer‑ready coursework and workforce‑aligned credentials.
Rock Value College Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
As a community college primarily serving commuter and part‑time students, Rock Valley College does not offer extensive on‑campus housing. The main campus in Rockford offers modern facilities on its 217‑acre site, including labs, classrooms, transfer centers, an arts center and workforce‑training centers. rockvalleycollege.smartcatalogiq.com Student life focuses on academic engagement, clubs, transfer advising, career and technical student associations and regional partnerships rather than a residential campus experience.
Transportation
The main campus is accessible via major roads (Mulford and Spring Brook Roads) and supports commuter students from Winnebago and Boone counties and adjacent regions. Public transportation in Rockford, parking for cars, and convenient scheduling enable students to navigate between work, study and campus commitments. The institution’s multiple centers—such as the Advanced Technology Center, Aviation Career Education Center, Bell School Road Center—enhance accessibility by serving dispersed communities. rockvalleycollege.smartcatalogiq.com