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Dutchess Community College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Dutchess Community College reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Dutchess Community College. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Dutchess Community College reviews, or contribute your own Dutchess Community College review if you're a current student there.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Selena from Lagrangeville, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    dutchess community college is a great school for those who are on a budget.
    the campus is beautiful and reflects the creativity of the students, also the teachers here are extremely committed to the success of their students.
    their open admission policy makes it possible for anyone to succeed here.
    Tips for prospective students

    to anyone who is thinking of, or is definitely applying to dcc, be sure to speak to an advisor who can assist you in finding the right classes for you. they will help you find a degree program that fits your goals! dcc has low tuition as well, and the staff there are there to help.
    Academic Rigor

    at dcc, you will have to work hard to reach your goals, they have informative seminar courses as well as a great library. at the library one can find many reference books and a lot of information that can help the student with assignments.
    Dorm Life

    currently dcc does not have livable dorm rooms. but you would be pleased to know that living quarters are being built and will open at the beginning of the fall semester.
    Food and Dining

    at dcc there is a dining hall, as well as several areas throughout the campus buildings with snack machines, etc. they have a large choice of meals at the dining hall including fresh pizza and salads.
    What to do for fun

    there are computers in the dining hall as well as the library which you can use for entertainment in addition to researching. dcc holds various events as well as free movie nights for students.
    Bang for the buck

    dcc has the lowest tuition in the state and is a good choice for people on a budget.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Ryan from Marlboro, NY

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Did learn a lot

    In the short time I attended Dutchess I did have a fairly good learning experience. But when it came to receiving help at their south campus it was a nightmare.
    Did enjoy being here

    I enjoyed the help from a few select teachers in the school. However, the faculty in charge of admissions and the registrars office are not helpful. I was bounced between at least 3-4 different offices regularly when I had a question or was registering for a new class. If you need help, ask fellow students. (especially the student help desk)
    Bang for the buck

    Not to sound negative, but from my experience, you get what you pay for in this school. Low tuition=minimal help in this instance.
    Tips for prospective students

    Great school if you're not sure what you want to be. Also because of the price and location. When in search of help, look for student help desks that are run by students. I suggest that you get to school early...you could be walking a half mile or more to your class otherwise.
    Great for these types of students

    Great if you're unsure of your major because the cost of tuition is so low.

  • 1 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Brian from Wappingers Falls, NY

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    Have been told most people get a better than expected education.
    Will enjoy being here

    It's a community college, so better than high school, but nothing I will be crazy about.
    Bang for the buck

    One of the best community colleges around and lowest price.
    Tips for prospective students

    Just cause it's a c.c. APPLY and take the placement test EARLY. It'll give you the chance to make your schedule before everyone else and ensure you get into classes.
    Great for these types of students

    Smart, budget-aware students.

    Doesn't matter how good your GPA is: unless you have $30,000+ a year just sitting around, go to a C.C. It'll save you soooo much money in loans that you shouldn't even be taking out.

  • Majid from Poughkeepsie, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    DCC is a good school. It is the right place to start. The school is affordable.
    Tips for prospective students

    Do the homework and you will pass.
    Academic Rigor

    Good Education.
    Dorm Life

    no dorm life......
    Food and Dining

    good food
    Bang for the buck

    Yes it is.
    Clubs and Activities

    Good and fun.
    Campus Safety

    Good.

  • Brandon from Holmes, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Dutchess Community College is an excellent school with many academic and social opportunities. Although the campus is small this allows for tight close relationships to be built between students and students and their teachers. Classes are informative, challenging and an excellent boost for the workforce of America.
    Tips for prospective students

    A few tips for students looking at Dutchess is to know that just because this is a community college isn't to say that the classes are not difficult and are not as demanding as a four year school. In addition Dutchess has many career events such as job fairs and transfer fairs. This school is an excellent stepping stone to bigger and better schools because the staff of Dutchess has many different connections.
    Academic Rigor

    Much like any other school a classes difficulty mainly depends on two things. The first what teacher is assigned to you. It is the professor who makes the tests, makes the assignments, gives the lectures; if you and your professor are not compatible then find a new instructor. Second it depends on how much work you are willing to give into the class. You reap what you sow. Although for the most part Dutchess is challenging on a few levels but passable.
    Dorm Life

    I have not and will not be living in the dorms here at Dutchess but it to the best of my ability that I say it looks like it will cramped, boring and awkward(based on where the building is).
    Food and Dining

    The food their is decent. We do have some very skilled young men and women working behind the counters but the most part anyone will tell you it lacks variety, longer hours of operation and more consistency on quickly food is prepared.
    What to do for fun

    There are many, many clubs and activities but if you don't want to join any clubs or make any commitment then there are always one day events going on. These include plays, movies, fairs and shows.
    Great for these types of students

    Local, friendly, low income students will feel right at home.
    Campus Safety

    The lightning is every poor in both main parking areas. In addition the security is scarce, useless and in need of a stair master. There are several emergency phones posted throughout the campus and have bright blue lights on the top of them.

  • Anthony from Wappingers Falls, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    DCC is an excellent community college with a beautiful campus, great teachers, and low tuition. The way in which this college teaches and treats their students should serve as a model to all college and universities.
    Tips for prospective students

    My best tip to prospective students is to stay on track and organize priorities.

  • Michelle from Wingdale, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    The teachers and students are hardworking and committed, bu the office faculty aren't much help, and records get mixed up often. Registration advisors aren't helpful what-so-ever. As long as you act responsible for your eductaion, you will receive a great one here.
    Tips for prospective students

    Keep on top of your information, remember that you are your best advocate. If something doesn't seem correct to you, chances are your right, so figure out what is going wrong and work with the system to fix it. Check up on professors first through other students or on rate my professor web sites.
    Academic Rigor

    Some teachers here are over-qualified, and some are under-qualified. Again as long as you are responsible for your education then Dutchess is a very valuable resource to learn from.
    Dorm Life

    Dorms are enw next semester, so we don't know yet. I imagine it will be nice not to have to drive to campus every day.
    Food and Dining

    There is healthy and good food available, it can be slightly expensive, but the salad bar is worth it.
    Bang for the buck

    Use your campus ID cards! If you put money on them then you get a discount in the cafeteria and deli and in the vending machines. Never buy text books straight from the store if you can help it, and double check with a teacher first if a book is really necessary, sometimes they aren't. However, DCC is the most affordable community college in the state and is being considered into becoming a 4-year school because we have so much to offer, so it's great!

  • Nicholas from Millerton, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    DCC has an incredible library full of any type of resource you might want to find. The campus is beautiful. As far as the faculty goes, there are definitely some hidden gems at DCC.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get to know your professors! Talk to them about things in and out of the curriculum. Go to the math lab or the writing center if you need help. Talk to the librarians. Get to know your advisor. Be as resourceful as possible! This is a community college with a lot to offer, you just have to take initiative or you'll be one of the thousands of people who just come here to hand in homework.
    Dorm Life

    Dorms will be available next semester. I don't have much to say about them. I'm not dorming.
    What to do for fun

    Smoke a cigarette outside of buildings and wait for beautiful girls to pass.
    Bang for the buck

    Dutchess Community college is quite affordable and the education is on par with a school you'd pay three times the price for.

  • Katherine from Poughkeepsie, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    An excellent school that allows students the opportunity to grow as quickly or as slowly as needed. At Dutchess, all the classes are small in size allowing for a close relationship to be built between students and teachers. Dutchess is perfect for students right out of high school or adults looking to further their education at a reasonable price.
    Tips for prospective students

    Always make sure you show up to class! That is where most of your grade will come from.
    What to do for fun

    There are many organizations and clubs for students to join on-campus.

  • Akilah from Fishkill, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Dutchess is a good starting school, with good teachers and classes. The course load is not too bad, and if you put in an effort it is easy to get good grades. It is a good stepping stone to a four-year college.
    Tips for prospective students

    Go to class, keep up with the reading, and do the assigned work for your classes.
    Academic Rigor

    Classes are challenging but not always interesting.
    Dorm Life

    Dorms are just being opened the fall semester of 2012.
    Food and Dining

    Food is not bad and is around the price of McDonalds.
    What to do for fun

    Hang with friends, free Friday movies, and discounts to movies, theme parks, and trips to NYC.

  • Kelsey from Poughkeepsie, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Dutchess is a great option if your not sure on what you want to do. I'm so glad I went here! I would give Dutchess a 7.5 out of 10.
    Tips for prospective students

    Go to class.

  • Lauren from Millbrook, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Dutchess is a great place to explore various courses and career choices. Most teachers are very friendly and helpful. The choices of classes and the flexibility of scheduling makes it easy to be able to work and do other things in your life too.
    Tips for prospective students

    I would say try to take advantage of the many opportunities Dutchess affords for help. Also, make sure to apply for the many scholarships Dutchess has to offer. Finally, get involved in the many variety of extra-curricular activities and you will make friends and feel comfortable very quickly at Dutchess.
    Academic Rigor

    The academic rigor is what I would expect at college. I have taken some honors classes and find that while these classes are more difficult overall, they also tend to be smaller in numbers so this helps.
    Dorm Life

    This is a community college so I can not give any comments on dorm life. They are however in the process of building dorms that will open in Fall 2012.
    Food and Dining

    The food is ok, but prices are high.
    What to do for fun

    There are many activities such as friday night movies, lyceum series, and lots of clubs. There is a fitness center and intramurals if you want, and for Deans List students and graduates they offer dinner dances which are nice.
    Bang for the buck

    Your bang for the buck is exceptional. It is low cost tuition and good academics so you can't beat that. Also there are many scholarships available to Dutchess students to apply for that can help.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    There are some satellite locations to make it easy for many students to make it to campus and cut driving costs down. There are also some on-line courses available to help with scheduling.
    Great for these types of students

    Dutchess is great for all students. It does offer a lot of remedial classes so is very good for those students who need this and can't get into a four-year university/college. It also offers the other extreme - honors classes. The honors program is nice because it can be challenging for students who are great academically, can not afford high tuition costs, and/or want to stay close to home if they live in Dutchess County.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are at least 40 clubs on campus so the variety is great. If a student can't find something they like to do, there is also the opportunity to put together your own club!
    Greek Life

    There is no Greek life.
    Campus Safety

    This is wonderful! Lighting at night is great, and if you want an escort security will be there for you. I have always felt safe!

  • Ian from Poughkeepsie, NY

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    attending school here will really save you money. because of my attendance here, i am college debt free! the courses aren't bad either; you definitely get more than you pay for.
    Tips for prospective students

    make a positive effort to make new friends. a lot of students have the pleasure (or the unfortunate experience, depending how you look at it) of attending this school with a great number of their graduating class. however, things change when you graduate high school, so it's important to make sure you try to make friends. it is also a great idea to get the name/number/email of at least one classmate in each class in case you ever have to miss a class.
    Academic Rigor

    for a low tuition school, the value of the courses is okay. also, classes are sometimes a hit or miss. some classes are really great, some aren't. some are incredibly difficult, some aren't.
    Dorm Life

    the college has recently established dorms, but while i attended we did not have the option of living on campus.
    Food and Dining

    the food tastes pretty good, but may not be that healthy for you. there are many options of things to eat, but can become pricey.
    What to do for fun

    there are many clubs on campus and getting involved with them can be enjoyable, beneficial, and could be a great way to make friends with similar interests or beliefs.
    Bang for the buck

    for $120 a credit, it was definitely worth it.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    you can find some interesting people in the various lounges around campus.
    Great for these types of students

    students who want to save money and still get a pretty great education should check it out. it's also a great fall back plan if you do not get accepted elsewhere or aren't offered enough financial aid to attend elsewhere. also great for students who enjoy living at home.
    Clubs and Activities

    there are so many clubs to choose from that have meeting times during the day. the only problem is that a club you are interested could meet during one of your scheduled classes.
    Campus Safety

    campus is very safe. there are very few incidents on campus, and if there are, security is very responsive.

  • Jasmin from Wappingers Falls, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    dutchess is a great starter school. many of the professors i had cared about my future. a very affordable school.
    Tips for prospective students

    just because its a community college don't think the work won't be easy, some of it is very challenging. always try to stay on top.
    Academic Rigor

    amount of work and difficulty in a class is varied by the class and professor.
    Dorm Life

    no dorms.
    Food and Dining

    food is ok for cafeteria food. soups and salads are really good.

  • Samantha from Wappingers Falls, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    dutchess is an excellent college that inspired me to learn, grow, and find myself. the administration and staff go above and beyond for the student body.
    Tips for prospective students

    try to be on the main campus each semester that you attend, this is where all the activities happen and you could be missing out on a great experience.
    Academic Rigor

    most professors are willing to go beyond for their students
    Bang for the buck

    excellent education for low tuition.
    Campus Safety

    security is always visible.

  • Timothy from Pawling, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    when i stood at the doors of dutchess broken and scared, the administration was waiting with open arms to take me in. when i stumbled and fell during classes, the student support services showed me my wings. when i didn't know where to go, my professors showed me how to fly.
    Tips for prospective students

    use the services available, they are there for your help. enjoy the high quality professors, many people pay 1,000's more based on their credentials. take advantage of the location and benefits because your time here flies!
    Academic Rigor

    i had first rate professors who did not compromise. they continued to push and strive for excellence.
    Food and Dining

    a little costly and not great, not a healthy selection.
    What to do for fun

    tons of clubs and trips. a wonderful activity base and plenty to do.
    Bang for the buck

    you cannot be the price versus quality.
    Great for these types of students

    great for beginner, unsure major, adule and local students looking to save money.
    Clubs and Activities

    a wonderful selection of clubs and activities for all types. highly recommend the campus life here!
    Campus Safety

    there is always a presence of safety here. the guards are pretty friendly as well.

  • Damian from Wappingers Falls, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    this school is absolutely top notch the teachers are excellent. your grades are only as good as the effort you put in the staff is excellent all around at dutchess!
    Tips for prospective students

    for all students wishing to go here, its an excellent choice to go to a cheap school that gives you a very high level of education!
    Academic Rigor

    the life at dutchess is only as tough as you let it be
    Dorm Life

    school jsut built new dorms opening up next semester 2012!
    Food and Dining

    all sorts of food to buy nothing fancy but a great selection
    What to do for fun

    walk around, read in the library, make friends, hang out in the school lounges/quiet areas? computer rooms, study rooms, anything there is lots of technology at the school to keep oneself occupied
    Bang for the buck

    dutchess is a great 2 year school with a very high standard of education, excellent for transfer students!
    Great for these types of students

    all kinds!

  • Eric from Fishkill, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Terrible. Don't waste your time here. It way be cheaper then other schools but you can tell by the teaching staff.
    Tips for prospective students

    Apply anywhere else.
    Academic Rigor

    All depends on the teacher. I have been told countless times from my own professors that it will be harder when I get to a real college.
    Dorm Life

    dorms are being built now as i type this.
    Food and Dining

    Food isn't terrible.
    What to do for fun

    Nothing.
    Clubs and Activities

    Has a decent amount of clubs, the biggest one being the anime club. Yeah i said anime.
    Greek Life

    None

    Campus Safety

    The security guards are a joke. They hit on the female students worse then the students do.

  • Amanda from Dutchess County

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Did learn a lot

    ~ DCC provides a very excellent education. Most of the standards are strict, and the administration is always working to improve the education, the staff, the campus, and the experience of attending a higher education institution.The administration remains very active and is always working hard to improve an already progressive college. The education provided is definitely on par with a four-year university, and because DCC is a SUNY school, your education counts doubly over. Many colleges, especially local colleges and universities recognize most of what DCC offers, excepting where there is not a similar course provided. ALL of my credits transferred except where a similar course wasn't available.
    ~ One of my favorite aspects of the whole campus is the staff. My teachers at DCC were most of the greatest teachers I ever had. Not only could they teach, but they were engaging and interesting. They made learning a fun and desirable experience beyond If I don't get a degree, I won't be able to get a good job. They really pulled all the stops and DCC has managed to bring together a conglomeration of some of the quirkiest teachers, too. These teachers actually care about their students and seeing them succeed because they know that learning happens both inside and outside the classroom. Many of them treat teaching as a passion instead of a job. They are more interesting all around and many of them are very willing to work with you and provide any help you might need. They are not lenient about falling behind, especially if it is because the student is not willing to do the work, but the majority of them realize that most of students at the school are troopers. The staff realizes that most of the students also work or probably have families and/or a social life outside of school. They prefer that students remain engaged and often find the students at DCC refreshing to teach because They are not robots (as one of my teachers put it). Also, this is an adult environment, and they treat their students as adults.
    ~ I felt very respected through my entire two years of being there though let me offer three caveats. First, in an adult environment, you will not be respected if you do not respect others. Second, most of the teachers are wonderful, but, as in any school, there a handful of teachers who do not effectively engage students (for various reasons, but usually due to inexperience because they are learning, too). End-of-the-semester reviews help the administration discover which teachers need a push, a shove, or (if necessary) the boot. The best part is that the reviews are anonymous and the teachers don't see them until the next semester - well after the grades have been submitted. If you don't receive one in the classroom, just ask the administration. They'll make sure the surveys are handed out because they depend on student feedback. Third, in the real world, help is not an adventurer looking for you. It takes all of a couple of seconds to say I'd like some help with something. Would you mind talking with me? After that, all different kinds of doors and windows open. If you ask, you will receive the help you need whether from a teacher during office hours or a private session or from the academic resource department. I experienced first hand tutoring help from the centers and even offered my own in the Writing Center where students are able to casually sit down with a tutor and slow down to look at their work a little more closely or have a pair of fresh eyes read what they have. People during these sessions and sessions like it for other subjects receive assistance in learning for whatever stage the person is in, including understanding the beginning and basic concepts, right through practicing the developed concepts.
    ~ Overall, I wish DCC was a four-year institution because the education, the teachers, and the learning environment is excellent.
    Did enjoy being here

    I absolutely loved having the opportunity to attend Dutchess. The campus and facilities are very well-maintained unlike plenty of colleges I have heard of since, and the atmosphere is comfortable. Also, different parts of campus provide different environments for students' needs. Some places are rowdier and louder for those who just want to relax between classes with their friends or play games and have fun. Other places provide the solace some people need for study or to just be away from people for awhile. The schedules were fairly simple and the campus was easy to navigate. Some majors required a little different of a schedule (like some art and science classes), but I always found it easy to compact my day if I wanted to be on and off campus fast or to spread out the classes if I did not want to learn everything in a short period of time like elementary through high school. The food is okay, but keep in mind that it's a school cafeteria in a school that does not have campus housing. It's great for getting a snack while stuck on campus. If you prefer to buy food elsewhere there are a couple of little delis and diners and plenty of other restaurants in and around Main St. in Poughkeepsie. Books are moderately priced although I would always recommend shopping around as with any important purchase. Another thing: there are a lot of student jobs on campus and career resources can work with you to find a job, even in a tough economy. For jobs though, you have to be ahead of the game. There are several positions, but the positions do not remain open long. Also, if you do not like spending much time in buildings or on the lawn, Hyde Park and Staatsburg are only around a fifteen minute drive away, easy to find, and home of two state parks with trails and field alike.
    Bang for the buck

    Dutchess has the lowest tuition in the state of any college or university. That's a no-brainer. A great education is available at the lowest price on the market. If you are interested and want a quick peek at just how unique Dutchess is even among community colleges I suggest checking out their Fast Facts page on their website at: http://www.sunydutchess.edu/aboutdcc/fastfacts.html. Dutchess is a college that is interested in going green and students who attend DCC are usually consistently successful in keeping their ambition to chase a higher degree or a better job and attaining their goals.
    Tips for prospective students

    Take you education seriously. That should go without saying, but I have witnessed a constant misconception that a community college's classes are easy to breeze through affect the work ethic of new students until after their first semester. As at any respectable college, if you do not do the work, do not expect the credit.Also, have fun. Enjoy your stay here. Join a local club and meet new people. Take advantage of the academic and professional resources offered. In any department, if one person is not able to help you as much as you like, remember that there is always someone above them that can pull more strings and make what you want happen. I seamlessly changed majors and transferred because of the staff's useful advice and assistance, even when I faced very unique circumstances at times. Also, If you are in the top ten percent of your class in any local high school, check out the Charles E. and Mabel E. Conklin Scholarship. It is a full tuition and fees scholarship for those who have pushed the extra mile. (Oh yeah, and make sure your guidance counselor actually gives you paperwork to sign, so the application goes through).
    Great for these types of students

    This college has an open enrollment policy, but robots do not tend to fare well here. Students with a personality do very well here. The average person who does not like that much attention brought to them does well here. Also, the person without a whole lot of money can do well here. My family does not have enough to help me, so I pay for college alone. I have had little money, but because of help from scholarships and a part-time job, I was able to make the bills AND focus on my work to get the most out what I have bought.