Rock Valley College
Rockford, IL, USA

Reviews

Rock Valley College

Robert from Stillman Valley, IL

a past student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Did learn a lot
Rock Valley College Provided an excellent learning and preparatory experience, by providing challenging courses with expectations of a four year school. I would definitely recommend this college for learning.
Did enjoy being here
Rock Valley College may not offer much in the way of activities, due to it's size, however, the campus itself is very nice, class sizes are generally below 30, and you meet a great deal of people from the community. I personally worked at the tutoring center on campus, and met a great deal of people through it, all of whom I have become great friends with.
Bang for the buck
As a community college, Rock Valley College definitely tops the list when it comes to a need for great learning at the right cost. Tuition is based on the credit hours for the course, and it is relatively cheap compared to other schools. You also gain access to the college's resources, including an extensive writing center to help achieve your paper based goals, and a tutoring center free to students where you can be tutored by students who have completed the class with a B or higher, or by instructors.
Tips for prospective students
Even though this is a community college, you will be expected to have the skills of a student enrolling in a 4 year school. The instructors will challenge you in many ways, and you should be prepared to know beyond the topic of the class. You should also have sufficient computer skills to use the online services, as well as internet based submissions for papers and other resources.
Great for these types of students
Computer skills are a must, so be sure you know how to use it, if you do not, you should enroll in the college's computer sciences (CIS 101) course.

DeeAnne from South Beloit, IL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am definitely learning a lot here at Rock Valley College. I already know my major, but I am currently finishing up my general education classes. I like that the first two years basically has to be general education classes because it allows me to learn about subjects I never would have thought about taking. I have learned about all sorts of different fields and have even talked to/ learned from passionate individuals. There is even a free tutoring center ran by qualified students and teachers that help with all subjects, even art!
Am enjoying being here
I will never and have never regretted making my decision to go to Rock Valley College. Because it is a community college I have met a lot of new people from my own town and towns around mine. Every new semester opens up more doors to meet new and exciting students and teachers. The teachers here are very passionate about what they do. They actually enjoy teaching! The classes are never more than thirty students, which is nice for a better student-teacher relationship.
Bang for the buck
Like many students at Rock Valley College, I had to make the decision to come here because of financial reasons. Best decision ever! I am a huge bargain hunter, and Rock Valley College is one of those schools that offers all the classes anyone could need with an affordable price tag! The bookstore allows students to buy, sell back, and even rent textbooks. Parking is also free which is a huge plus, and there is even a bus system for students who do not have or want to use their cars.
Tips for prospective students
I would ask that prospective students go into Rock Valley College with an open mind. Many students come to this school thinking, oh, it's just community college or it's just like high school because everyone comes here, but it really is not. I've met new people, learned new things, and have had a lot of new experiences. I'm going to college, and I feel like a college student! I also advise taking a class if someone suggests it. If one person suggests it, often times you will hear from other people enjoying the class. My last tip is do not stress out if you do not have a major. In fact, most teachers prefer students without majors! You start college at a young age, and you have years to figure out what you want to do for the rest of your life. Do not settle for something you do not enjoy.
Great for these types of students
Students who are dedicated about their education. Students who like to save money while still taking the same classes as their fellow graduates attending a university. Students who want to meet new people. Students who want to experience new things.

Kaitlyn from Rockton, IL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have found that as long as you put the effort into showing up for class and listening it is almost impossible to not take away information that you can use for the rest of your life. Many of the professors are just as good as those you would find at a university, but are much more personal and will help you out because of the relatively small class sizes.
Am enjoying being here
Studying at Rock Valley College has been a great time in my life and I won't ever forget it. When I finally graduate it will be a sad day as I will miss being there and seeing the professors in the hallway that have taught me so much and have been more inspirational to me then I ever thought could be. I never thought I would enjoy going to classes so much as I have here or actually been excited for a Wednesday because of the history lecture I would be attending.
Bang for the buck
Rock Valley College, while only a 2 year school, I believe is on par with many 4 year colleges out there. The tuition is based on how many credit hours each class is and is relatively cheap if you're going for an Associates degree.
Tips for prospective students
Send your FAFSA in for a chance to receive financial aid! I learned of this after my first year at Rock Valley College and have received financial aid that has paid for all of my tuition and extra costs while attending.
Great for these types of students
If you are looking to only get a 2 year degree and then enter the work force then this is definitely the place for you. It will give you a great college experience and prepare you all in just 2 years. Even if you're planning on going farther in your college life, starting at Rock Valley College for your first two years is smart and economic. It will cost a fraction of the price of attending a 4 year school for the same degree, but it will also prepare you for what universities will be like.

Deborah from Loves Park, IL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The Professors and classes available are perfect for what I need.
Am enjoying being here
The campus and environment of the school is a very good place to be.
Bang for the buck
You can not beat the cost compared to other schools.
Tips for prospective students
Balance your classes for you lifestyle, especially if you are going back to school after a long period of time.
Great for these types of students
People who like a more quiet atmosphere and a more down home feeling.