Roxbury Community College: $5,784 Tuition

$5,784Tuition

1,583Students

10%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,773Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Roxbury Community College

Roxbury Community College serves as an educational anchor in Boston's historically Black Roxbury neighborhood. The school enrolls 1,583 students and operates with a clear mission of workforce preparation and transfer pathways. With 67% of students being women, RCC has become particularly known for its nursing, allied health, and business programs that connect directly to Boston's job market. The college maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in career-focused programs.

The financial picture makes sense for working students and career changers. Students pay an average net price of $12,544 after aid, with 60% receiving financial assistance. Graduates earn a median of $38,773 ten years after starting, which represents solid returns for a two-year investment. The 93.8% employment rate shows that employers value RCC credentials in the Boston area.

The student body reflects the surrounding community, with 43% Black and 16% Hispanic students creating a diverse learning environment. Nearly 99% of students come from Massachusetts, reinforcing the college's role as a local institution. The Tigers compete in 10 varsity sports with 103 total athletes, though the 10.4% six-year graduation rate suggests many students transfer or enter the workforce before completing degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Roxbury Community College serves as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable higher education in Boston's diverse Roxbury neighborhood. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention that's crucial for the 60% of students receiving Pell Grants. The college focuses on workforce development programs, including nursing, business, and liberal arts transfer pathways. However, the 10.4% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face while balancing work, family, and education. The school emphasizes practical skills training and college preparation for students who are often first-generation college attendees. Strong employment outcomes show 93.8% of graduates find work, with median earnings reaching $38,773 within ten years.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 18.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 10.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,773

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$69,757
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$42,682
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$37,748
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.	Associate	$33,077
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Associate	$30,119
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$28,960
Social Sciences, General.	Associate	$26,353

View all 33 programs →

Campus Life

Roxbury Community College sits in the heart of Boston's Roxbury neighborhood, making it one of the most urban community colleges in Massachusetts. With 98.58% in-state enrollment, you'll be surrounded by local students who know the city well. The campus lacks dormitories, so daily life revolves around commuting to classes and connecting with the diverse student body that's 43.34% Black and 16.23% Hispanic.

Boston winters demand heavy coats and snow boots, while spring and fall offer perfect walking weather through the surrounding neighborhoods. Students often grab lunch at nearby Caribbean and soul food restaurants that reflect the area's cultural heritage. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, classes feel intimate despite the urban setting. Weekends typically mean heading home or exploring Boston's museums, parks, and entertainment districts just a subway ride away. The 103 student-athletes competing in 10 varsity sports bring some campus energy, though most social life happens off-campus in Boston's active neighborhoods.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1973

Campus Safety (2023)

17 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Burglary	8	0
Aggravated Assault	3	1
Domestic Violence	1	1
Stalking	2	0
Robbery	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 19°–37°F
July Avg: 64°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 49.4"
Annual Snowfall: 49.2"

Student Demographics

Roxbury Community College draws overwhelmingly from Massachusetts, with nearly all students calling the state home. The student body is predominantly Black and Hispanic, reflecting the diverse Roxbury neighborhood the college serves. Women outnumber men by more than two to one, likely drawn to the school's strong nursing and healthcare programs. Most students receive Pell Grants, showing the college fulfills its mission as an affordable gateway to higher education for working-class families in greater Boston.

Men: 32.6%
Women: 67.4%
White: 3.7%
Black: 43.3%
Hispanic: 16.2%
Asian: 1.4%
In-State Students: 98.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 60.1%

Location

Roxbury Community College sits in Roxbury Crossing, Massachusetts, just four miles southwest of downtown Boston. The campus operates in one of Boston's most historically significant neighborhoods, where 43.34% of students are Black and 16.23% are Hispanic. Roxbury has deep roots in African American history and civil rights activism. Students live in an urban environment with direct access to Boston's subway system and cultural institutions. The neighborhood features community gardens, historic brownstones, and local businesses that reflect its diverse population. Nearly 99% of students come from Massachusetts, drawing primarily from the greater Boston area. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Roxbury Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Roxbury Crossing, Massachusetts 02120-3400

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,773
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,993
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Roxbury Community College?

Roxbury Community College operates with an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students who have completed high school or earned a GED. The college serves 1,583 students with 98.58% coming from Massachusetts. This accessibility makes it a vital educational gateway for the diverse Roxbury Crossing community.

How much does Roxbury Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $12,544 annually, with costs varying by family income from $12,223 for families earning under $30K to $14,210 for those earning $75-110K. With 60.13% of students receiving Pell Grants, the college primarily serves working-class families seeking affordable higher education. In-state tuition stands at $5,784 compared to $11,088 for out-of-state students.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Roxbury Community College?

The student-faculty ratio is 14:1, providing relatively small class sizes for personalized attention. Founded in 1973, the college has built a reputation for supporting first-generation college students and career changers. The semester calendar system allows students to balance education with work and family responsibilities.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Roxbury Community College?

Graduates earn a median salary of $38,773 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive employment rate of 93.8%. The college excels at workforce preparation, connecting students to local healthcare, business, and technical careers. However, the 10.40% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working students face completing their degrees.

Where is Roxbury Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Roxbury Crossing, a active urban neighborhood in Boston known for its rich African American history and cultural diversity. With 67.40% women and 43.34% Black students, the campus reflects the surrounding community's demographics. The Tigers compete in 10 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 103 total athletes.

Does Roxbury Community College offer significant financial aid beyond federal programs?

Only 3.16% of students receive institutional grants, which average $6,358 when awarded, indicating limited college-funded aid beyond federal assistance. The 0.00% federal loan rate suggests most students either pay out of pocket or rely on grants rather than borrowing. This reflects both the college's affordability and its student population's preference for avoiding debt.