Rochester Community and Technical College

Rochester Community and Technical College, (RCTC) is a public two-year college located in Rochester, Minnesota. It serves more than 8,000 students annually. The college was founded in 1915 on a motion by Dr. Charles Mayo to the Rochester School Board and is Minnesota's oldest original community college. RCTC offers more than 70 programs and over 130 credential options. The College has partnered with Winona State University to establish more than a dozen “Path to Purple” programs that allow students to complete a four-year degree without leaving Rochester. RCTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. On August 23, 1915, Dr. Charles Mayo made a motion at a meeting of the Rochester (MN) School Board to add two years of university work to the high school. The board voted unanimously for adoption. The original school consisted of four faculty members and 17 students. Classes were held in what was called the “University Department” or the “Southern University.” In June 1917, Rochester Junior College (RJC) graduated its first 10 students at a joint commencement program with the high school. After joining the Minnesota State Junior College System, Rochester Junior College’s name was changed in 1964 to Rochester State Junior College (RSJC). The state legislature renamed the College Rochester Community College in 1973.