Admission

New Student Checklist

1. Apply Online. Some programs have limited enrollment and require additional application steps, including Aviation Maintenance Technology, Dental Hygiene, Nursing, and Respiratory Care. Refer to the Career and Technical Education Programs section for specific program admission details.

2. Financial Aid .

3. Submit ACT or SAT scores, official high school transcripts, and/or prior official college transcripts. GED graduates should submit original certificates from the Regional Education Office or CASAS. All documents should be submitted to Records and Registration.

4. Determine placement requirements by reviewing the Rock Valley College Placement Requirements.

5. All students who intend to earn one of the following degrees are required to successfully complete STU 100 – Planning for Success: Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), and Associate in Engineering Science (A.E.S.).

6. The New Student Welcome event provides an opportunity for new students to meet others, tour the campus, learn about campus resources, and participate in activities. Register online now.

7. To schedule an academic or transfer advising appointment, or for assistance registering for classes, contact Academic and Transfer Advising at (815) 921-4100.

8. Payment in full is due in the Accounts Receivable Office by the payment due date. Failure to make payment in full or enroll in the FACTS payment plan by the deadline will result in class cancellation. Failure to receive a bill does not affect the payment due date. For more information, call (815) 921-4414, visit Rock Valley College Payment Information, or visit the Payment Center on the second floor of the Stenstrom Student Center. Payment due dates are available on the Rock Valley College Important Dates page.

9. Rent or purchase books for your classes from the RVC Bookstore BibliU, located on the ground floor of the Stenstrom Student Center: Rock Valley College Bookstore.

International Student Admission

International Student Admission Requirements

Students who are in the United States (U.S.) on an F-1 visa are considered international students. To enroll at the college, these students must complete the following steps.

1. Apply online or pick up a paper application at the Welcome Center on the first floor of the Student Center on the RVC Main Campus. Some programs have limited enrollment and require additional application steps, including Aviation Maintenance Technology, Nursing, Dental Hygiene, and Respiratory Care. Refer to the Career and Technical Education Programs section for specific program admission details.

2. Submit proof of English language competency through one of the following:

   • A minimum score of 71 (internet-based), 213 (computer-based), or 550 (paper-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or an overall band score of 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
   • A statement of completion of the 9th-grade level at an ESL Language Center
   • If you are in the U.S. as a foreign student with an F-1 or J-1 visa attending a U.S. high school or college, a transcript from that institution

3. Submit Duolingo cut scores.

4. Complete the Statement of Financial Support or provide proof of “live-in guest” status. Either form must be notarized.

5. Submit original transcripts of all high school and university coursework.

6. Complete steps 4–6 of the New Student Admission section.

7. Complete steps 7–9 of the New Student Admission section by meeting directly with the International Student Services Coordinator.

8. Submit your high school diploma to Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) for transcript evaluation. This evaluation must be included with your application packet. Visit the International Student Services Office or the Records and Registration Department, located on the second floor of the Stenstrom Student Center, for additional information.

Students with approved “live-in guest” status are eligible for in-district tuition rates and are subject to a non-negotiable $500 international student fee assessed each term.

All documents must be submitted by the published deadlines to the Records and Registration Office. Financial Aid is not available to international students, and RVC does not provide on-campus housing. For questions about international student admission, call (815) 921-4251. This institution is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students.

Early College

Dual Credit, Dual Enrollment, and Early College Program Options

(815) 921-4080
Located on the second floor of the JCSM
Early College Program information

Rock Valley College offers opportunities for high school students to earn college credit through the following options:

1. Dual Credit: Earn college and high school credit simultaneously; classes are available at Rock Valley College and in participating high schools.
2. Dual Enrollment: Earn college credit only; classes are available at Rock Valley College.
3. Under 16 Admissions Process: Enrollment at Rock Valley College for students under age 16.

High School Partnership Programs are available for qualified high school students through partnerships with area high schools.

• Running Start (2-year program): Attend Rock Valley College full time during the junior and senior years to earn dual credit toward completing a high school diploma while earning an associate degree simultaneously.
• Running Start (1-year program): Attend Rock Valley College full time during the senior year to earn dual credit toward completing a high school diploma while beginning an associate degree.
• Career Pathways Jumpstart: Attend Rock Valley College part time during the senior year to earn dual credit toward completing a high school diploma while beginning a career and technical education (CTE) program.
• Senior Semester: Attend Rock Valley College full time during the final semester of the senior year to earn dual credit toward completing a high school diploma while beginning an associate degree.
• Transitional Courses: High school math and English courses that guarantee college‑level placement upon successful completion.

Transferring Credit to RVC

Students at Rock Valley College who have credits from another college and plan to earn a degree or certificate at RVC should submit an official transcript, including any developmental courses used at Rock Valley College for placement. Transcripts must be submitted in a sealed envelope or sent electronically directly from the issuing institution to the Records and Registration Office. A Transcript Evaluation Request Form must also be completed and submitted to the Records and Registration Office.

The Transcript Evaluation Form is available in the Records and Registration Office, located on the second floor of the Stenstrom Student Center. Evaluations may take four (4)–six (6) weeks after receipt of all required materials.

Criteria for Evaluation of Transferable Credits

• Transfer credit must be earned at a regionally accredited institution.

• Whenever possible, RVC course equivalents for 100- and 200-level credits are awarded. If this is not possible, up to 21 credits of electives may be granted.

• 300-level (junior-level) credits will transfer on a course-by-course basis once equivalency is determined.

• 400-level credits require permission from the appropriate dean if a potential equivalency is determined.

• Students may be required to provide course descriptions or syllabi to complete the transfer credit process. Elective credit may be re-evaluated by submitting a syllabus to the Records and Registration Office.

• RVC accepts “D” grades only if the overall GPA is 2.0. Refer to course descriptions at the back of this catalog for minimum course grade requirements. Additional information is provided in the degree requirements for the Associate of Arts and Associate in Science, and in the degree and certificate requirements for Career and Technical Education Programs.

• Transfer credit does not affect the cumulative GPA at RVC.

• All new students intending to earn an Associate of Arts, Associate in Science, or Associate in Engineering Science are required to complete STU 100. It is recommended that this requirement be completed during the first academic semester. Students intending to earn an Associate in Applied Science degree or a certificate are not required to complete STU 100 but are strongly encouraged to do so.

• RVC does not honor substitutions or waivers made at another institution unless approved by the appropriate dean.

• Only degree- or certificate-required courses will be transferred into a student’s record. A maximum of 49 transfer credits will be applied. A minimum of 15 RVC credits is required to complete an RVC degree or certificate.

• Foreign transfer credit must be evaluated by Education Credential Evaluators.

• Military transfer credit may be awarded upon evaluation of the Joint Services Transcript (JST). The JST can be ordered at no cost to the student through the Joint Services Transcript website (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard). Air Force students must request an unopened copy of their official transcripts from the Community College of the Air Force. In response to the Credit for Military Experience Act (HB 3701), the college uses the American Council on Education (ACE) to conduct and facilitate academic reviews of military courses and occupations.

• Four (4) Fitness, Wellness, and Sport (FWS) credits are automatically awarded to students who have completed basic training.

• The evaluation of transfer credit may require course descriptions or syllabi. Course content must be equivalent to a Rock Valley College course to transfer as equivalent credit. Vocational elective credit may be awarded if Rock Valley College does not offer an equivalent course. Vocational elective credit cannot be used toward degree completion.

Returning Students

1. Apply Online. Some programs have limited enrollment and require additional application steps, including Aviation Maintenance Technology, Dental Hygiene, Nursing, and Respiratory Care. Refer to the Career and Technical Education Programs section for specific program admission details.

2. Financial Aid .

3. Submit ACT or SAT scores, official high school transcripts, and/or prior official college transcripts. GED graduates should submit original certificates from the Regional Education Office or CASAS. All documents should be submitted to Records and Registration.

4. Determine placement requirements by reviewing the Rock Valley College Placement Requirements.

5. All students who intend to earn one of the following degrees are required to successfully complete STU 100 – Planning for Success: Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), and Associate in Engineering Science (A.E.S.).

6. The New Student Welcome event provides an opportunity for new students to meet others, tour the campus, learn about campus resources, and participate in activities. Register online now.

7. To schedule an academic or transfer advising appointment, or for assistance registering for classes, contact Academic and Transfer Advising at (815) 921-4100.

8. Payment in full is due in the Accounts Receivable Office by the payment due date. Failure to make payment in full or enroll in the FACTS payment plan by the deadline will result in class cancellation. Failure to receive a bill does not affect the payment due date. For more information, call (815) 921-4414, visit Rock Valley College Payment Information, or visit the Payment Center on the second floor of the Stenstrom Student Center. Payment due dates are available on the Rock Valley College Important Dates page.

9. Rent or purchase books for your classes from the RVC Bookstore BibliU, located on the ground floor of the Stenstrom Student Center: Rock Valley College Bookstore.

Admission Requirements For Transfer Degree Programs

Students pursuing a transfer degree (Associate of Arts, Associate in Science, or Associate in Engineering Science) must successfully complete specific high school or college courses as outlined in Illinois Public Act 86-0954.

Students who do not meet these requirements at the time of enrollment are provisionally admitted as pre-baccalaureate transfer students. Once course deficiencies are completed, students are reclassified as baccalaureate transfer students.

High School Requirements

Required Courses

Students with academic deficiencies are considered by RVC to have satisfied these deficiencies upon successful completion of 32 college-level credits (courses numbered 100 or above with a minimum 2.0 GPA). These credits must include ENG 101, SPH 131, one social sciences course, one four-credit laboratory science course, and one mathematics course (MTH 115 or higher).

Determine Placement

Placement Requirements for Credit Courses

All new students interested in enrolling in credit courses are required to meet placement requirements before registering. Rock Valley College offers multiple starting points for students pursuing credit coursework. To ensure your academic journey begins at the level best suited to you, the College reviews transcripts using multiple measures to determine placement.

All score reports and transcripts should be submitted to the Records and Registration Office for evaluation as soon as possible. For assistance, call (815) 921-4250 or visit the Records and Registration page .

Multiple Measures

• High school and/or college transcripts, including Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and successful completion of appropriate developmental education courses in English and/or math at another regionally accredited college or university
• Cumulative high school GPA (within five years)
• SAT, ACT, and/or GED scores (within three years)
• Transitional courses in English and/or math (within 18 months)
• CASAS scores (within 120 days)
• Placement assessments, including ACCUPLACER and ALEKS

Additional information about multiple measures and placement assessments is available on the Placement Requirements page or through the Testing Center at (815) 921-2380.

Testing accommodations for students with disabilities must be approved by the Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) at least one week before testing to allow sufficient time to arrange appropriate services. For assistance, call (815) 921-2371.

First Year Experience

Contact Information

(815) 921-4094
Located: Stenstrom Student Center – first floor
First Year Experience program information

First Year Experience Support

1. The “New Student Welcome Event” is offered prior to the start of the fall and spring semesters. All new students are expected to attend a New Student Welcome. This event provides an opportunity to meet other new students, tour the campus, attend a resource fair, and learn about student services available on campus.

2. Peer mentors are a resource for all students. They share student experiences, connect students to campus resources, and help students engage through campus activities, clubs, and organizations. To contact a peer mentor, email First Year Experience staff.

3. Student Success Workshops are offered during the spring and fall semesters and are open to all students. A diverse range of topics is covered to meet the needs and interests of RVC students. These workshops provide opportunities for students to engage on campus and connect with others who share similar interests.

In order to register for classes, students must have completed an application for admission and met placement requirements. See Getting Started for additional information.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

Options for Deferring Placement Test Requirements

There are two options that allow you to register for classes more easily by deferring placement test requirements:

• Visiting students are students who normally attend another university and want to take classes during the summer or another semester, then transfer those credits back to their home institution.
• A student-at-large is someone who wants to take a limited number of courses (up to 12 credits) to explore a program or the college.