1 Community College In The Hudson Valley Named Among Top 5 In NY

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Our region is home to its share of renowned universities and colleges, but a new study has found that one, perhaps less well-known school, might just be the ticket to success in life.

Rockland Community College has been ranked the number four community college out of 30 in New York state for quality and affordability, according to WalletHub's 2025 "Best & Worst Community Colleges" study.

The WalletHub survey evaluated more than 650 two-year institutions nationwide using 19 key indicators, including cost and financing, graduation rates, educational outcomes and career success.

Rockland Community College says their high ranking underscores the college's commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education that delivers strong outcomes for students in the New York metropolitan region.

"Receiving a No. 4 ranking in New York is a powerful affirmation of RCC’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, student success and community impact," Rockland Community College President William P. Mullaney said. "We remain dedicated to offering affordable, high-quality education that opens pathways to lifelong opportunity for every learner in our diverse and dynamic region.

The college was singled out for key attributes that make higher education more accessible, and more valuable.

Since the school is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, RCC offers 38 programs in the humanities, social sciences, arts, technologies, business, health professions, mathematics and sciences, including 35 associate degrees and three one-year certificate programs. In addition, RCC offers 12 Workforce Development programs that provide opportunities to gain industry-specific certificates or transfer into degree programs.

RCC has 388 full-time and part-time faculty include Fulbright scholars, SUNY Chancellor’s Award winners, published authors and artists. The average class size of just 14 allows faculty members to work one-on-one with students

Rockland Community College Foundation provides more than $350,000 annually in student support and scholarships.

Most RCC graduates transfer to colleges and universities across the country and abroad, including Yale, Cornell, Amherst, Columbia, Caltech, Fordham, New York University, Wesleyan, Georgetown, Brandeis, UCLA, Parsons School of Design and numerous SUNY and CUNY colleges. To support the transfer process, RCC maintains multiple transfer agreements with public and private four-year institutions.

Beginning in fall 2025, RCC will offer free tuition for eligible adults through SUNY Reconnect, the statewide initiative designed to help more New Yorkers earn a college degree. The program is available to state residents ages 25 to 55 who have not previously completed a college degree and who enroll in associate degree programs in high-demand fields.