Richland Community College
Decatur, IL, USA

Reviews

Richland Community College

Jessica from Bethany, IL

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
All of my teacher are very knowledgeable, and they demonstrate that in each class. The ways they teacher makes going to class enjoyable and they are very eager to help all the students learn.
Am enjoying being here
I love the people and the surrounding at Richland! Everyone is so friendly. There career specific classes make me feel like I heading in the right track! I feel like I have more of a hands-on learning then just book learning.
Bang for the buck
As an in-district student you cannot beat their prices!! And recently they have started allowing students to rent their books so you save even more money!!
Tips for prospective students
Talk to past and present students, they can give you the run around on all the teachers and best classes to be in.
Great for these types of students
Anyone looking for a fun and friendly environment. There career driven course makes getting a degree fast and easier. Once you complete the courses you actually feel like your ready to get out there in the work field.

Dawn from Clinton, IL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
RCC is awesome and very accommodating. The staff has your best your interest at heart. They also understand that life is life.
Tips for prospective students
Let an advisor advice.
Academic Rigor
above expected
Dorm Life
not interested
Food and Dining
available affordable and good eats
What to do for fun
there are activities going on all the time
Bang for the buck
cheaper than the last college i attended.
Clubs and Activities
lots
Campus Safety
secure

Victoria from Decatur, IL

a past student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A building-block school for anyone. Staff members that care about the development of their students. There is diversity in the student body.
Tips for prospective students
Utilize the resources Richland provides. They want you to succeed so they make it easy for you to get tutoring assistance, find resources in the library, and talk to a faculty member if you need help (whether it be with finances, academics, or starting an activity). Take advantage of the student activities and try and stay involved, the more you do the more interesting the school will be. And when it comes to class work, go to class and listen to the teacher, 95% of what they say defines how the exams are laid out.
Academic Rigor
I sometimes think that the work load could have been more challenging and that some teachers are inclined to give you a break, but you do learn some good skills with the homework. Richland academics are good for transitioning students who have either been away from college life for awhile or didn't excel in high school. The work load they provide is beneficial in teaching students to plan, organize, multitask and develop introductory critical thinking skills. Since they primarily provide 100 level and some 200 level courses, I think they give a good job overall of providing an educational foundation that fosters curiosity and further exploration.
Dorm Life
This is a community college so there was no on-campus housing, but I preferred it that way.
Food and Dining
Their cafeteria lacked a lot of fresh foods and healthy options, but they did have the best cookies and their cafe served good coffee at an affordable rate.
What to do for fun
The school was always having game shows, musical performances, and contests in the student center. Bake sales and craft tables provided students with a shopping outlet. Although there aren't many fun student organizations or clubs, lots of non-credit courses are offered to try different things.
Bang for the buck
Much more affordable to go here than to start your college experience off at a University. With a few small scholarships I have graduated Richland with no debt.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
In the new east wing a great place to study, which doesn't get a lot of student traffic, is the entrance hall with all the glass windows and the huge banana trees. The natural lighting is energizing and the banana tress make you feel like you're anywhere else but this industrialized college.
Great for these types of students
Excellent for students who have been out of school for awhile, working students, or students who didn't do well in their earlier education.
Clubs and Activities
There aren't an over abundance of clubs, but the one's that do exist do good things. Hope club is the charity club that helps raise money for the less fortunate and Ecoland is the environmental club that works to raise awareness on campus about alternative energy. Check out the shows and constantly changing activities in the student center, you may find a Kenyan jazz band, a movie trivia game, belly dancers, or free pancakes on any given day!
Greek Life
Nonexistent.
Campus Safety
They have good cops.

Maddison from Heyworth, IL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
At first I was hesitant about attending a community college, however, RCC proved me wrong. I wouldn't change my decision and I wish they offered the opportunity to achieve a bachelor's degree. The staff and classes are fantastic.
Tips for prospective students
Be prepared for teacher's who care and for classes that will leave you with valuable information. Attend every class and use the resources provided by the college, including your professors.
Academic Rigor
I learned and retained so much more information than I have in any other form of education. The curriculum meets all educational standards in the class that you signed up for.
Food and Dining
One cafeteria with higher prices, a brand new coffee shop, and vending machines. However, there are food joints in the surrounding area such as a McDonald's and Subway.
What to do for fun
There are plenty of clubs and event happening on campus. A very big event for Richland would be the Farm Progress Show including a large country stars performance each year with a huge turnout from all around the state.
Bang for the buck
They have the best tuition fees for a community college. The classes and professors and the resources are all worth the price.
Great for these types of students
Hardworking, punctual, scholars, people who don't mind mild and low-key surroundings
Clubs and Activities
There is a club for everyone that helps you bond with the professors that host them and to meet many people around the school that have the same yearn for helping others or partaking in different activities.
Campus Safety
I've never felt threatened nor has there been an incident to make me feel that way. There is security that walks around all day and covers the parking lots too.

Catherine from Decatur, IL

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
RCC staff are pleasant and very informative. The campus is very accessible to all needs. The 'My Richland' website has every aspect of the school at one's fingertips!
Tips for prospective students
Make check lists of criteria to meet. Listen to your counselor and don't be hesitant to ask questions. Remember, the only stupid question is the one that remains unasked. Tour the campus and get familiar with the surroundings.
What to do for fun
Check the RCC website for scheduled activities.
Bang for the buck
I was skeptical about going back to school to complete my nursing degree for so many years. Working full time and raising four children as a single mother was challenging enough i thought. The children are grown and have family's of their own now, so I've decided this is 'my' time to fullfill my dream. After walking through the door of the college and talking to some wonderful people that made me feel at ease, I walked out the door an official college student! There will be obstacles and hurdles to endure, but I promise myself I will succeed. I will be an RN one day. I will have shown my children that anything is possible at any age if only you 'walk through the door'.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
I especially admire the sculpture standing before the entrance of the college. The scupture is made from stainless steel and stands approximately 25 feet tall. It had a box at the base that has diamond shapes to reflect the sun and represents the grain bins of central Illinois. The long strands of metal reaching towards the sky signify the prairie grass that inhabit Central Illinois. At the top of the sculpture are pieces of metal resembling flowers and plants, signifying the growth of food and engergy sources of Decatur, Illinois.
Great for these types of students
RCC is great for all types of students. The full and part-time employees seeking degrees for future employment. The college student that chooses to stay close to home and then transfer to a 4 yr college. Homemakers and stay-at-home mothers that want to broaden their horizons. Displaced workers that are forced to change their careers. The person that needs a 'new' hobby. RCC offers a wide variety of classes to meet each and every need.
Clubs and Activities
Available clubs and activities through My Richland Calendar
Campus Safety
On campus security varies.

Olivia from Decatur, IL

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
I'm very excited about going here.
Bang for the buck
I love the fact that you are able to get a great education and not go into debt!
Tips for prospective students
It's a great way to start
Great for these types of students
everyone