About Rock Valley College
Students pay an average net price of $7,325 after financial aid, making this an affordable option for career training. Graduates earn a median of $39,158 ten years after starting college, while typical student debt stays low at $8,500. The numbers work in students' favor with monthly loan payments averaging just $90. Only 21% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working-class families seeking practical education without crushing debt.
The Golden Eagles compete in 11 varsity sports with 177 total athletes, creating a small but active athletics program. The student body reflects the region's diversity with 54% White, 26% Hispanic, and 9% Black students. Women slightly outnumber men at 53%. With an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, students get more personal attention than at larger institutions. The 93% employment rate shows the college's success in preparing graduates for the workforce.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 36.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 39.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,158
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $59,846 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,415 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $52,107 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $50,231 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $49,527 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,188 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $27,681 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $23,649 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,000 |
Campus Life
The Golden Eagles compete in 11 varsity sports with 177 total athletes, giving the campus some school spirit despite its commuter nature. Students here are serious about their futures, with 92.7% finding employment after graduation. Many juggle work with classes, reflected in the practical career training programs that dominate course offerings. Weekends often mean work or family time rather than campus activities. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, creating a supportive environment for those transferring to four-year schools or entering the workforce directly.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1965
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 14°–29°F
- July Avg
- 63°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 37.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 47.0%
- Women
- 53.0%
- White
- 54.3%
- Black
- 9.2%
- Hispanic
- 26.3%
- Asian
- 3.7%
- In-State Students
- 98.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.6%
Location
- Address
- Rockford, Illinois 61114-5699
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,158
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,150
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 43.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $90/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $8,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Rock Valley College?
Rock Valley College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 4,362 students primarily from the Rockford area, with 98.19% coming from Illinois. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students beginning their higher education journey.
How much does Rock Valley College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $7,325 annually, though costs vary by family income. Those from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,555 after aid, while higher-income families may pay up to $10,798. The college keeps costs manageable with in-state tuition of $4,274 and graduates carrying a median debt of only $8,500.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Rock Valley College?
Rock Valley College maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors for a community college. The college focuses on career training programs and transfer pathways to four-year universities. Students can choose from various programs designed to either launch careers immediately or prepare for university transfer.
What are the employment outcomes for Rock Valley College graduates?
Rock Valley College boasts a 92.7% employment rate for its graduates, reflecting strong job market preparation. Graduates earn a median salary of $39,158 ten years after enrollment, with many entering skilled trades and technical fields. The college's focus on career training helps students develop practical skills valued by local employers in the Rockford region.
Where is Rock Valley College located and what is campus life like?
Rock Valley College sits in Rockford, Illinois, a mid-sized city that provides urban amenities while maintaining affordability. The Golden Eagles compete in 11 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 177 total athletes. The diverse student body includes 54.33% white students, 26.30% Hispanic students, and 9.19% Black students, creating a multicultural learning environment.
Does Rock Valley College offer good financial aid to students?
Only 20.58% of Rock Valley College students receive Pell Grants, indicating many come from middle-income families. Just 7.54% receive institutional grants averaging $4,740, and only 3.75% take federal loans. The low borrowing rates reflect the college's affordable tuition structure and the fact that many students work while attending this commuter-focused institution.
