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Rockland Community College Ranks No. 4 in New York in 2025 WalletHub Study
Rockland Community College has been ranked the No. 4 community college out of 30 in New York state for quality and affordability, according to WalletHub’s 2025 “Best & Worst Community Colleges” study.
WalletHub’s study evaluated more than 650 two-year institutions nationwide using 19 key indicators, including cost and financing, graduation rates, educational outcomes and career success.
“Receiving a No. 4 ranking in New York is a powerful affirmation of RCC’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, student success and community impact,” said Dr. William P. Mullaney, president of Rockland Community College. “We remain dedicated to offering affordable, high-quality education that opens pathways to lifelong opportunity for every learner in our diverse and dynamic region.”
RCC’s strengths include:
Part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, RCC offers 38 programs in the humanities, social sciences, arts, technologies, business, health professions, mathematics and sciences, including 35 associate degrees and three one-year certificate programs. In addition, RCC offers twelve Workforce Development programs that provide opportunities to gain industry-specific certificates or transfer into degree programs.
RCC’s 388 full-time and part-time faculty include Fulbright scholars, SUNY Chancellor’s Award winners, published authors and artists. The average class size of fourteen allows faculty members to work one-on-one with students.
For the 2025-26 academic year, in-state full-time tuition is $5,664 — a fraction of the cost of other institutions. More than $14.7 million in financial assistance is awarded to students each year, including grants, loans and work-study programs. The Rockland Community College Foundation also provides more than $350,000 annually in student support and scholarships.
Most RCC graduates transfer to leading colleges and universities across the country and abroad, including Yale, Cornell, Amherst, Columbia, Caltech, Fordham, New York University, Wesleyan, Georgetown, Brandeis, UCLA, Parsons School of Design and numerous SUNY and CUNY colleges. To support the transfer process, RCC maintains multiple transfer agreements with public and private four-year institutions.
Beginning in fall 2025, RCC will also offer free tuition for eligible adults through SUNY Reconnect, a statewide initiative designed to help more New Yorkers earn a college degree. The program is available to state residents ages 25 to 55 who have not previously completed a college degree and who enroll in associate degree programs in high-demand fields.
IBEW Local 363 Organizes Altice USA’s Optimum Cable Workers in West Nyack
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 363 is reporting that the employees of Optimum Cable, also known as Altice USA, have voted to join the union. The National Labor Relations Board Certified Local 363 on September 3, as the Exclusive Representative of the employees.
This successful organizing drive marks a major step forward for workers’ rights and solidarity in Rockland County and beyond, the organization said in a press statement.
To celebrate this historic victory, Local 363 rolled through the streets of Rockland County with a bright video truck, boldly displaying the message: “OPTIMUM WORKERS ARE NOW IBEW 363.”
The rolling announcement turned heads and made sure the community shared in the excitement of the win, the Local said.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the hardworking employees of Optimum into our union family,” said Local 363 Business Manager Sam Fratto, “This is about ensuring fair wages, strong benefits, and a voice on the job for everyone who keeps our community connected.”
Local 363 has a long history of fighting for fair treatment and quality jobs in the Hudson Valley and represents over 2000 workers in this area. This latest victory, amplified by the celebratory video truck, underscores the union’s commitment to making sure workers are seen, heard, and respected, Fratto added.
Two Innovative Music Groups Will “Turn Up the Heat” At 2025 Haverstraw Crawl Eats & Beats Sunday, September 14
After last year’s ten-year celebration of the Haverstraw Food Crawl, the event has been rebranded “Haverstraw Crawl Eats & Beats. The event, slated for Sept. 14 from 1 pm to 5 pm, will feature a “spicy” musical lineup.
Opening the afternoon festivities will be the Brass Queens (brassqueensnyc.com) – a female-led brass band known for their bold sound, high-energy performances and dynamic mix of funk, soul, pop and traditional New Orleans brass band music.
“The Brass Queens have been captivating audiences across the country. We believe their infectious energy make them a perfect group to kick things off at this year’s Crawl, ” said Richard Sena, president of Haverstraw Riverwide Arts, co-sponsors of the event.
Musical headliner the Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra (wsoband.com) is an eleven-piece salsa group which plays dynamic, dura arrangements of indie rock tunes and much-loved songs to a Latin beat. Their arrangements have led to international acclaim for its approach to this musical genre. All forms of dancing are highly encouraged!
To warm up the crowds and to keep the beat alive in between musical sets will be our master of ceremonies, DJ Drewski from Hot 97 NYC.
The Haverstraw Crawl Eats and Beats, one of Rockland and Westchester counties’ biggest draws, brings participants from the metro-NY area.
The NY Waterway Ferry, which runs daily service from Haverstraw to Ossining to connect directly with the Metro NY train station, will operate noon to 6pm during the event, with free shuttle bus service from the landing in Haverstraw directly to downtown.
The Crawl begins in front of Webster Bank, 38 New Main Street. Food Crawl maps will be given out there and throughout the entire downtown area, outlining locations of more than 20 participating restaurants – along with these added attractions: The NY Craft and Beverage Garden, featuring Sing Sing Kill Brewery, Liquid Fables, Stony Point Brewing, Tuthilltown and Round Table Brewery. Activities for youngsters include Lalli the Clown, Lawn Games and a balloon twister. A special crafts area will also be set up courtesy of the Haverstraw Brick Museum.
“Each year, the Eats and Beats Food Crawl brings people together through our community’s delicious local foods, music, dance and our culture,” said Mike Kohut, Mayor of The Village of Haverstraw. “This year we are beyond excited to be featuring bands that we believe will bring an unforgettable experience to those visiting our community.”
For more information visit HaverstrawFoodCrawl.com.
