Legislature Unanimously Approves & Adopts 2020-2021 Rockland Community College Budget

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County Will Contribute $17.9 Million For Academic Year – Tuition For Entire Year Is $5,100 For Full-Time Students

The Rockland County Legislature has unanimously voted to approve and adopt Rockland Community College’s proposed 2020-2021 Budget, with about 27 percent of the college’s overall revenues to be contributed by the County.

RCC is the only public college in Rockland County and it relies heavily on tuition, state aid and a significant contribution from the County to operate. The college’s budget for 2020-2021 is $66.9 million, a decrease of about 1.2 percent versus its 2019-2020 adopted budget.

Student tuition represents the largest portion of the budget’s revenues at $23.97 million, or about 36 percent. The county will contribute about $17.9 million, or 27 percent of the college’s total revenues.

State aid for RCC, part of the State University of New York system, accounts for about $16.1 million, or just 24 percent of overall revenues. The state’s aid remains at $2,947 per student; there is no state increase for the new academic year despite the fiscal challenges faced by the college in light of the pandemic.

The college estimates it will enroll 4,349 full-time equivalent students this year versus the 4,766 students who enrolled last year, a drop of nearly 8.8 percent. Tuition will increase by $196, or 4 percent, for the entire academic year, from $4,912 to $5,108 ($2,554 per semester for full-time students).

“Despite this difficult but necessary increase, RCC continues to represent a tremendous value to the residents and businesses of Rockland County,” Chairman of the Rockland County Legislature Alden Wolfe said. “I firmly believe that education is always a benefit to those who engage in it and I hope that those who enroll at RCC find success in their pursuits.”

The college has already adjusted its “normal” operations due to the pandemic, including adapting class schedules and holding a virtual graduation. In the fall, more than 90 percent of its offerings will be done remotely. RCC’s reopening plan was certified by the State University of New York on July 6.

Fall semester courses have a start date of Sept. 1, and anyone interested should enroll as soon as possible. You can get answers to your questions regarding financial aid and more information here: https://www.sunyrockland.edu/admissions. You can also contact the college at 845-574-4000 and the operator will help direct your call.