Rochester Community and Technical College: $6,359 Tuition

$6,359Tuition

3,122Students

26%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,287Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Rochester Community and Technical College

Rochester Community and Technical College trains students for careers in healthcare and technical fields alongside one of the world's most strong medical centers. The college enrolls 3,122 students in Rochester, Minnesota, where Mayo Clinic provides unparalleled opportunities for hands-on learning and job placement. Women make up 62% of the student body, reflecting the college's strength in nursing and healthcare programs. The school focuses on practical skills that lead directly to employment rather than four-year transfer preparation.

Students pay an average net price of $13,148 after financial aid, with costs dropping to $10,835 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median salary of $45,287 ten years after starting college, making the typical debt load of $14,743 manageable. The monthly loan payment averages just $156, and the college's employment rate hits an impressive 97%. This represents solid value for career-focused education.

The Yellowjackets compete in eight varsity sports through the NCCAA with 192 total athletes. Over 91% of students come from Minnesota, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means less individual attention than at smaller colleges, but the college's direct pipeline to Mayo Clinic jobs makes up for larger class sizes.

Academics & Faculty

Rochester Community and Technical College has built its reputation around healthcare programs and technical training, particularly through its close partnership with Mayo Clinic. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay relatively small for a community college, though students still need to be self-motivated. The 26.1% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer after completing prerequisites or enter the workforce with certificates. The college excels in nursing, medical assisting, and other healthcare pathways that feed directly into Rochester's medical economy. Technical programs in areas like welding and automotive also provide direct career entry. Students benefit from real-world clinical experiences and internships with local healthcare systems.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Full-Time Faculty: 44.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 26.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,287

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$60,689
Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection.	Certificate	$52,107
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$49,918
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$45,249
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$44,649
Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection.	Associate	$44,170
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$41,565
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.	Associate	$38,289
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$37,928
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$34,704

View all 73 programs →

Campus Life

Rochester's winters demand heavy coats and snow boots, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from December through March. The campus sits in Minnesota's third-largest city, about 90 minutes south of Minneapolis-St. Paul. With 3,122 students spread across a commuter campus, most drive home after classes since the college doesn't offer dormitories. The student body is 62% women, reflecting strong enrollment in the school's signature healthcare programs.

Mayo Clinic's massive presence shapes the entire city, creating abundant internship and job opportunities for nursing and medical technology students. The 97% employment rate shows how well the career-focused training translates to jobs. Students typically balance coursework with part-time work, especially in healthcare settings. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller class sizes despite being a larger community college. Weekend social life revolves around Rochester's downtown area and outdoor activities like hiking at nearby state parks. Many students are older or returning to school, creating a serious academic atmosphere focused on launching healthcare careers.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 7°–23°F
July Avg: 61°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 33.0"
Annual Snowfall: -725.8"

Student Demographics

Rochester attracts students from across Minnesota who want direct pathways into healthcare careers. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the college's strength in nursing and medical programs. The school serves a diverse mix of students, with significant Black and Hispanic representation alongside its white majority. Most students come from within Minnesota, drawn by the college's unique partnership with Mayo Clinic. The student body includes many first-generation college students and working adults seeking career changes in healthcare and technical fields.

Men: 37.7%
Women: 62.3%
White: 62.1%
Black: 16.1%
Hispanic: 9.9%
Asian: 5.0%
In-State Students: 91.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 28.9%

Location

Rochester sits in southeastern Minnesota, about 90 miles south of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The city centers around Mayo Clinic, creating a healthcare-focused environment that directly benefits the college's medical programs. Rochester's population of roughly 120,000 makes it a mid-sized city with urban amenities but a manageable scale. The surrounding area features rolling farmland and small towns typical of southern Minnesota. Over 91% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's strong ties to local healthcare employers and technical industries. The Mayo Clinic partnership gives students unique access to strong medical facilities and training opportunities. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Rochester Community and Technical College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Rochester, Minnesota 55904-4999

Rochester Community and Technical College 02

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,287
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,858
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $33,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 50.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $156/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $14,743

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Rochester Community and Technical College?

Rochester Community and Technical College operates with an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 3,122 students and draws 91.12% of its enrollment from Minnesota residents. This accessibility makes it an entry point for students seeking healthcare training and technical education in partnership with Mayo Clinic.

How much does Rochester Community and Technical College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Rochester Community and Technical College is $13,148 annually. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $10,835 after aid, while those from higher-income families ($110,000+) pay $17,781. The college keeps costs manageable with in-state and out-of-state tuition both set at $6,359.

What academic programs is Rochester Community and Technical College known for?

Rochester Community and Technical College specializes in healthcare programs and career-focused technical training developed in partnership with Mayo Clinic. The student-faculty ratio stands at 21:1, providing hands-on learning opportunities. The college's location in Rochester positions students directly within one of the world's leading medical centers.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Rochester Community and Technical College?

Rochester Community and Technical College graduates achieve a 97.0% employment rate, reflecting strong job market demand for their technical skills. The median earnings after 10 years reach $45,287, while graduates typically carry manageable debt loads of $14,743. The college's focus on healthcare and technical fields aligns well with Rochester's medical industry ecosystem.

What is campus life like at Rochester Community and Technical College?

Rochester Community and Technical College enrolls 3,122 students with women comprising 62.27% of the student body. The Yellowjackets compete in 8 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 192 total athletes participating. The campus serves a diverse population including 16.11% Black students and 9.87% Hispanic students alongside the majority white enrollment.

How does Rochester Community and Technical College's Mayo Clinic partnership benefit students?

The Mayo Clinic partnership gives Rochester Community and Technical College students direct access to strong medical training facilities and potential employment pipelines. This collaboration strengthens the college's healthcare programs and contributes to the impressive 97.0% employment rate among graduates. Students gain exposure to modern medical practices while building skills valued by one of America's top healthcare systems.