When should my son or daughter apply to Rock Valley College?

Your son or daughter can apply at any time to Rock Valley College.  The application form can be obtained through high school guidance offices, on the RVC Web site, or in the Admissions Office at RVC.  If your son or daughter has taken RVC courses while still in high school, the application has already been completed.

How do we get a tour or a chance to visit Rock Valley College?

Please contact the Information Center at (815) 921-4636 to make arrangements for a campus tour.  The Information Center is located on the first floor of the Student Center and is the place to go to get many of your questions answered.  The Information Center also offers a variety of services for students including check cashing, ticket sales, student ID’s and online service support.

Campus tours are also part of our New Student Orientation event (see below).

How does Placement Testing work?

All new students must complete placement testing to assess their knowledge in the areas of English, math and reading. Students with specific ACT scores (English 19, math 18, reading 19) or who have previously attended another college/university may have all or portions of the placement test waived.  For waiver consideration, a student should submit their ACT scores and/or transcripts to the Records Office as soon as possible. Walk-in testing is available in the Testing Center Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Appointments can be made for evening or Saturday testing by calling (815) 921-2380.  The Testing Center is located in the Student Center on the ground floor.

Is there an orientation for new students?

The orientation process at Rock Valley College is comprised of three parts:

• Educational Planning Session:  All new students are required to attend an Educational Planning Session (EPS).  The purpose of this session is to familiarize students with pertinent information needed to assist with their transition to RVC.  The EPS includes information on placement testing, degree options, registration process, payment options, online services and much more.  Students can register online for the Educational Planning Session at or by calling (815) 921-4094.
  
  
• Fall/Spring New Student Orientation:  This orientation activity takes place the week before school starts and is an excellent way to get connected to RVC.  Students will have an opportunity in a fun relaxed atmosphere to meet with faculty, student leaders, tour the campus and learn about student clubs and activities.
  
  
• Student Development 100 (STD 100):  STD 100 is an interactive, one credit hour college level course designed to help new students learn the basics of college, get familiar with RVC offices and services, and develop the skills necessary for success.  All new students are expected to enroll in this course, which counts towards graduation and is transferable.
  

How much is tuition at RVC?  What other expenses can I expect?

Tuition: Tuition for college courses is charged per credit hour. 

How do we apply for Financial Aid?

All students should complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible since this is the first step you need to take to determine your eligibility for financial aid.

These applications are available in the Financial Aid Office or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  The Financial Aid Office is located in the Student Center on the second floor.   Please contact the Financial Aid Office for more information (815) 921-4150.

When can I buy textbooks?

The best time to buy books is about three weeks to one month prior to the start of a term.  The earlier a student purchases their books the better chance they have of selecting used textbooks which are less expensive.
 
The bookstore is located on the ground floor of the Student Center.  Call or go online for extended hours at the beginning and end of each semester.  Telephone: (815) 921-1680.  Web site: http://rvc.bkstore.com.

Payment for books can be made by using cash, check, credit cards, debit cards or Barnes and Nobles gift cards, and Financial Aid (contact Financial Aid Office for details).