Dutchess Community College (DCC) is a two-year community college that is part of the 30 community colleges of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. The college primarily serves the people of Dutchess and Putnam counties and offers the lowest college tuition in the state of New York. The history of the college dates back to 1957 when the college was founded. The first classes for Dutchess Community College were held in 1958.
Dutchess Community College is located about 70 miles north of New York City in the town of Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County, to the east of the Hudson River. There is another extension site of the college, DCC South, in Wappingers Falls. The main campus at Poughkeepsie is spread over 140 acres and features the Allyn J. Washington Center for Science and Art, Bowne Hall, Center for Business and Industry, Drumlin Hall, Dutchess Hall, and the Francis U. and Mary F. Ritz Library.
Dutchess Community College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges.
Dutchess Community College
Academics
The degrees offered by Dutchess Community College include Associate in Science (A.S.), Associate in Arts (A.A.), and Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees. The Associate in Science (A.S.) and Associate in Arts (A.A.) degrees are aimed at students who eventually want to transfer to a 4 year college or university. These are two-year programs and comprise a core of liberal arts and science courses, additional required special courses related to the student’s field of interest, and electives. The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is a two year program that prepares students for a specific career area. The degree programs offered at the Dutchess Community College are available for various fields of study such as Architectural and Construction Technologies, Aviation Science, Art, Business, and Liberal Arts and Sciences – Education.
The certificate programs offered at the Dutchess Community College include the Academic Certificate and the Applied Academic Certificate programs.
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at Dutchess Community College.
Dutchess Community College adopts the Full Opportunity Plan of the State University of New York wherein admission is granted to any person whose academic record and qualifications demonstrate competency to benefit from a college education. Students can seek either full-time or part-time admission to the college. Full-time students are enrolled for 12 or more credits per semester whereas part-time students are enrolled for 11 or fewer credits per semester.
Students seeking admission to the Dutchess Community College are required to submit the admission application forms and high school or college transcripts and GED scores. First time college students are required to appear for the COMPASS/ASSET academic placement tests. The ACT/SAT scores can be submitted but they are not requirements for admission.
Dutchess Community College accepts and reviews admission applications at any time, but students seeking admission in August/September are recommended to apply by preceding April 1 and students seeking admission in January are recommended to apply by the preceding November 1. The residents of Dutchess and Putnam counties are given preference in the high demand curricula if they meet the admission requirements.
International students need to submit the international application for admission and a certificate of finances to demonstrate availability of funds to finance the education expenses for a year. They are also required to submit their high school and college transcripts. They are required to provide evidence of their proficiency in English by submitting their TOEFL scores.
Financial Aid
Dutchess Community College participates in a variety of financial aid programs to help students meet their educational expenses. The basic objective of providing financial aid is to bridge the gap between family resources and the annual educational expenses of the students enrolled for various programs at Dutchess Community College. The different forms of financial aid available to students include: federal and state grants, loans, work-study opportunities and scholarships. To apply for financial aid from Dutchess Community College, students are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the U.S. Department of Education.
Different types of federal and state aid programs that provide financial assistance to the students of Dutchess Community College include the Federal Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), and New York State Aid for Part-time Study (APTS). Students may also be eligible for the Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Federal PLUS Loans. Different student employment options include on-campus part-time employment and off-campus part-time employment, community service, state work-study, and other regular part-time jobs. Various scholarships available for the students of the Dutchess Community College include the Charles and Mabel Conklin Scholarship, Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship, Melanie A. Kotes Memorial Chemistry Science Scholarships, and McCann Foundation Scholarship.
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
Dutchess Community College 4009th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best New York scholarships and financial aid
Dutchess Community College believes that student services form an integral part of the total educational program. The Counseling and Career services office provides career guidance, educational counseling, transfer counseling, personal counseling, and job placement assistance to students. The Educational Opportunity Program provides support to students having limited financial and academic preparation. There is a day care center available for student parents of the Dutchess Community College. The student activities office is responsible for ensuring the enhancement of the students’ college experience by arranging trips, Friday night films, speaker series, on-campus events, and family festivals. The Student Government is a student body that promotes leadership skills in the students. The college has numerous clubs such as Alpha Beta Gamma, Communications Society, Gamers Guild, Outdoor Adventure Club, Human Services Club, and Sci-Fi Alliance. The student newspaper is known as the Chronicle and offers staff positions to first- and second-year students. The Dutchess Community College also features a bookstore which stocks textbooks, school supplies, greeting cards, reference materials, and Dutchess imprinted gifts.
On-campus housing is scheduled to be available for the students of the Dutchess Community College from the fall of 2012. The residence hall will have suite-style accommodations equipped with latest amenities for safety and comfort.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at Dutchess Community College?
Dutchess Community College is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Mid-Hudson Athletic Conference. The official college colors are buff and blue, and the athletic teams are known as the Falcons. The college athletic teams participate in cross country, soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s volleyball golf, baseball, tennis, women’s softball, and bowling.
Bibliography
Dutchess Community College. Academics. Web. 01 September 2011.
Dutchess Community College. Student Life. Web. 01 September 2011.
Dutchess Community College. Dutchess Community College 2010-2011 Catalog. 2010. Print.
Demographics – Main Campus and Surrounding Areas
Reported area around or near Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-1595
Surrounding community
Large suburb (inside urban area but outside city, pop. over 250,000)
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almost 4 years agoLouise Belardo Clarisa31 ((at)) aol dot com
Dutchess was the best experience of my life. I attended Dutchess and recieved an associates Degree in Human Services. I was at a low point in my life. Dutchess opened up a whole new world for me. A job with the county one yr after graduation. My advisors, teachers,and the whole faculty contibuted to my bright future. I graduated in 1995 when I was 52. I had raised a family and was married for 29 years before having to start my life over at 48. If it had not been for the wonderful people at Dutchess I'm not sure things would have gone so well. I hope I thanked everyone when I left. I just would like them to know what a great experience it was attending Dutchess. I attended a few classes at Marist and was offered a year tuition free at Vassar after Dutchess but was unable to finish at Marist, or attend Vassar because I could not give up my apt and live on campus. I did manage to work for the county until I had to retire due to health issues. Whenever I think back to those sunny days on campus, and all of the wonderful people I met it brings a smile to my heart. Thanks again for the joy Louise Belardo
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Clarisa31 ((at)) aol dot com
Dutchess was the best experience of my life. I attended Dutchess and recieved an associates Degree in Human Services. I was at a low point in my life. Dutchess opened up a whole new world for me. A job with the county one yr after graduation. My advisors, teachers,and the whole faculty contibuted to my bright future. I graduated in 1995 when I was 52. I had raised a family and was married for 29 years before having to start my life over at 48. If it had not been for the wonderful people at Dutchess I'm not sure things would have gone so well. I hope I thanked everyone when I left. I just would like them to know what a great experience it was attending Dutchess. I attended a few classes at Marist and was offered a year tuition free at Vassar after Dutchess but was unable to finish at Marist, or attend Vassar because I could not give up my apt and live on campus. I did manage to work for the county until I had to retire due to health issues. Whenever I think back to those sunny days on campus, and all of the wonderful people I met it brings a smile to my heart. Thanks again for the joy Louise Belardo