Frequently Asked Questions

What financial aid opportunities are available at Rockford Career College?

Rockford Career College is dedicated to helping eligible students finance their education through a range of financial aid services. As an institution, we participate in several federal and state programs designed to support students in achieving their educational goals:

• Federal Pell Grant: This need-based grant, provided by the federal government, offers financial assistance to eligible undergraduate students based on their demonstrated financial need.
• Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans: These low-interest loans, offered by the federal government, provide flexible borrowing options for eligible undergraduate and graduate students. Subsidized loans do not accumulate interest while the student is enrolled at least half-time, while unsubsidized loans accrue interest throughout the borrowing period.
• Federal Parent PLUS Loans: Available to parents of dependent undergraduate students, these low-interest loans allow parents to borrow up to the total cost of attendance, minus any other financial aid received by the student.
• Work-Study: Through the federal work-study program, eligible students can secure part-time employment opportunities that help them earn money to contribute towards their educational costs.

We encourage students to explore these financial aid options and contact our knowledgeable Financial Aid office for personalized guidance throughout the application process. We are here to assist you in accessing the resources you need to make your education affordable and attainable.

What makes Rockford Career College stand out?

At Rockford Career College, students can expect an education that goes beyond textbooks, providing them with practical skills, industry connections, and comprehensive support for a successful future.

• Program Diversity: Rockford Career College offers an extensive range of programs spanning animal sciences, healthcare, business, cannabis, paralegal studies, and skilled trades. This diverse selection empowers students to pursue their passions and find their ideal career paths.
• Individualized Attention: With small class sizes, Rockford Career College ensures that students receive personalized attention from instructors. This intimate learning environment fosters better understanding of course material and enhances the application of knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Experienced Faculty: Rockford Career College takes pride in its faculty composed of seasoned professionals who bring their industry expertise into the classroom. Students benefit from their valuable insights, practical knowledge, and industry connections.
• Hands-On Training: Rockford Career College places a strong emphasis on hands-on training, providing students with valuable opportunities to apply classroom theories in labs and clinical settings. This practical approach equips students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their chosen fields.
• Career Support: Recognizing the importance of career readiness, Rockford Career College offers dedicated career services. The college’s career services team assists students with job placement, resume writing, and interview preparation, ensuring they are well-equipped to enter the workforce.
• Accreditation: Rockford Career College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). This accreditation attests to the college’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards and preparing graduates for successful careers.

What Programs are popular?

Rockford Career College offers a wide range of programs in animal sciences, healthcare, business, and skilled trades. Some of the most popular programs at Rockford Career College include:

• Medical Assisting: This program prepares students for careers as medical assistants, providing training in clinical and administrative tasks in medical settings.
• Veterinary Technician: This program trains students to become veterinary technicians, teaching them the skills and knowledge needed to work in animal clinics and hospitals.
• Practical Nursing: This program prepares students for careers as licensed practical nurses (LPNs), teaching them the knowledge and skills needed to provide basic nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings.
• Business Administration: This program provides students with a foundation in business principles and practices, preparing them for careers in a variety of business settings.
• HVAC: This program trains students to become skilled HVAC technicians, providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
• Welding: Our program at Rockford Career College is highly popular due to its comprehensive curriculum, hands-on training, experienced instructors, strong industry demand, career support services, and accreditation by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

These programs are popular due to the growing demand for skilled workers in these fields, as well as the hands-on training and real-world experience that Rockford Career College provides.

Do you need a High School Diploma to enroll?

Yes, Rockford Career College requires a high school diploma or its equivalent (such as a GED) for admission into its programs. In addition to a high school diploma or equivalent, applicants may need to submit additional documentation, such as transcripts, test scores, and proof of immunization. Some programs may have additional admission requirements, such as a criminal background check or drug screening. It’s always best to check with the admissions department at Rockford Career College or refer to their website for specific requirements for the program you are interested in.

Do your instructors hold office hours, and will they meet with you outside of class?

Rockford Career College instructors hold office hours where students can meet with them outside of class to discuss coursework, ask questions, and receive additional help or guidance. Office hours may be held in person, virtually, or both, depending on the instructor’s preferences and the current circumstances. Students are often encouraged to take advantage of office hours as a valuable opportunity to connect with their instructors and improve their understanding of the course material.

Do you have Online-only classes?

Yes, Rockford Career College offers online-only classes for some of their programs. This allows students to complete coursework and participate in class discussions remotely from anywhere with internet access.

How long do courses run?

The duration of programs at Rockford Career College varies depending on the specific program and the level of education. Typically, diploma and certificate programs can be completed in a shorter period of time, ranging from several months to a year, while associate degree programs generally take up to two years to complete. Some programs may also offer accelerated options, allowing students to complete their studies in a shorter time frame. Additionally, Rockford Career College offers flexible scheduling options. View our programs here.

When do classes start?

The start dates for classes at Rockford Career College vary depending on the program and campus location. Several start dates are offered throughout the year to accommodate student needs. To find out the specific start dates for the program you are interested in, contact an Admissions department at Rockford Career College directly. The Admissions team will provide you specific details about the school, program and enrollment process and any other important dates related to the admissions process. You can also view the class start dates in the catalog.

Do students use any on-campus tutoring programs?

Rockford Career College offers on-campus tutoring programs to help students succeed in their academic programs. These resources are designed to provide additional support and guidance to students who may need extra help with their coursework. The tutoring programs at Rockford Career College may cover a wide range of subjects, including math, science, English, and more. Tutoring services may be offered on a one-on-one basis or in small group settings, depending on the needs of the student. Tutor sessions at Rockford Career College are designed to help students improve their writing skills and develop effective writing strategies. Staff can assist students with all aspects of the writing process, from brainstorming and outlining to drafting and revising their work.

What are the services Brainfuse Online Tutoring offers?

Students enjoy live, on-demand one-to-one tutoring, skills building, and expert writing assistance in a variety of college subjects with Brainfuse. The expert tutoring portion of services is designed to seamlessly integrate with local tutors from participating institutions.

• LIVE ONLINE TUTORING: Brainfuse provides students with live, on-demand homework help from Brainfuse-certified tutors.
• ONLINE WRITING LAB: Brainfuse writing tutors employ research-based methodologies to encourage students to revise their papers critically, develop greater sensitivity to their audience and, ultimately, become better writers.
• BRAINFUSE STUDY CENTER: The Brainfuse Study Center features powerful assessment tests, self-paced lessons, and a comprehensive test center.
• SKILLSURFER LESSON LIBRARY: The Lesson Library features hundreds of captioned video lessons and practice tests prepared by the Brainfuse Academic Team in a variety of core academic skills. In addition, any student who requires additional assistance while using SkillSurfer can simply click “Get Live Help” from any lesson and immediately connect with a live expert.

What are the class sizes?

Compared to traditional colleges, Rockford Career College offers small class sizes with a much more personalized attention and interaction between students, instructors and academic support teams.

Class sizes vary by program and course, but Rockford Career College aims to maintain a low student-to-faculty ratio to provide a more supportive and engaging learning environment for students. You may also speak with an Admissions Advisor to get a better sense of the class sizes and student experience at Rockford Career College.

What are the facilities like (labs, equipment, libraries, etc.)? How is the WiFi on campus?

Rockford Career College offers modern facilities that are designed to provide students with access to the equipment and resources they need to succeed in their academic programs.

The college’s labs and equipment are tailored to the needs of specific programs, and they are regularly updated to ensure that students have access to the latest technologies and equipment. For example, students in healthcare programs may have access to simulation labs with the latest medical equipment, while students in technology programs may have access to cutting-edge computer labs and software.

Rockford Career College also offers a library with a variety of resources, including books, periodicals, and online databases. The library is designed to support students’ academic research and provide a quiet space for study.

Regarding the WiFi on campus, Rockford Career College offers high-speed internet access throughout their facilities, allowing students to stay connected and complete coursework online.

The college also has computer labs and other technology resources available to students who may not have access to a personal computer or internet at home.

Overall, Rockford Career College aims to provide students with the resources and facilities they need to succeed in their academic programs and prepare for their future careers.

What makes the student body unique?

Rockford Career College has a diverse student populations with unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

One thing that makes the student body at Rockford Career College unique is that the college offers career-focused programs designed to prepare students for in-demand careers in fields such as healthcare, technology, and business. As a result, many students at Rockford Career College may be older or have previous work experience, which can add to the diversity of perspectives and experiences within the student body.

Additionally, Rockford Career College is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. The college’s faculty and staff work to ensure that students from all backgrounds and experiences feel welcome and supported in their academic pursuits.

Overall, the unique characteristics of the student body at Rockford Career College may vary depending on the specific program, campus location, and cohort of students. However, the college’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment can help ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

Are externships available? How do you find them?

Rockford Career College offers externship opportunities to students in many of its programs. Externships are typically unpaid work experiences that allow students to gain practical, hands-on experience in their chosen field, while also making professional connections and building their resume.

To find externship opportunities at Rockford Career College, students typically work with our college’s career services department, which have relationships with local employers and organizations. Career services staff can help students identify potential externship opportunities, prepare their resumes and cover letters, and provide guidance on how to interview for and secure these positions.

In addition, some programs at Rockford Career College may require or strongly encourage students to complete an externship as part of their curriculum. In these cases, the college may have established partnerships with specific employers or organizations to provide these opportunities to students.

If you are a student at Rockford Career College, please reach out to the career services department or your program coordinator to learn more about the externship opportunities available in your field of study and how to apply for them.

How can Career Services help me?

Rockford Career College offers a range of career services to help students prepare for and succeed in their chosen careers. The college’s career services team provides a variety of resources and support to students, including:

• Career advisement and guidance: The career services team can help students explore career options, identify their strengths and interests, and develop a career plan that aligns with their goals.
• Resume and cover letter writing assistance: The career services team can help students create effective resumes and cover letters that highlight their skills and experience.
• Career search strategies: The career services team can provide guidance on how to conduct a successful career search, including networking, using career search websites, and attending career fairs.
• Interview preparation: The career services team can help students prepare for job interviews by providing tips and strategies for answering common interview questions, dressing for success, and making a positive impression.
• Employer connections: The career services team may have relationships with local employers and organizations and can connect students with job and internship opportunities in their field of study.

Overall, the career services at Rockford Career College are designed to provide students with the support and resources they need to succeed in their chosen careers. While the effectiveness of these services may vary for each student, many students find them to be helpful in preparing for and securing employment in their field.

Do employers recruit students on campus?

Rockford Career College works with local employers and organizations to provide career and job opportunities for its students. The college’s career services team may organize job fairs, career days, and other events where students can connect with potential employers and learn about job openings.

Additionally, some programs at Rockford Career College may require or offer externships or clinical experiences that allow students to gain hands-on experience in their chosen field and make professional connections.

While the specific recruitment activities and opportunities available at Rockford Career College may vary depending on the program and campus location, the college is committed to helping students prepare for and succeed in their chosen careers. The career services team can provide guidance and support to help students identify and pursue job and career opportunities in their field of study.