Dutchess Community College

DCC is good if you felt like you weren't ready to go away to college, like I did. I had good grades in high school and didn't need to go here, but chose to anyway, because I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and because it's super cheap.

Socially: If you want to go somewhere where most people are involved socially or are interesting, don't come here. There are only a few clubs and the number has been declining over the past few years. But, some of them are really cool, thriving, and interesting, so don't hesitate to join one!

Most people are boring/lazy, though, so there's not much competition except from the few people who are also doing well and are competing with you for the few scholarships available. People also smoke too much, ignore designated smoking areas, and smoke while walking to class. Obnoxious sometimes.

Academics: DCC's academics are not very challenging. I was an honors/AP student with an overall grade of 90 in high school, and some of the classes are ridiculously easy. As a science major, I was really hoping to be more challenged.

But that's because of the caliber of most students here. I had a 99 average in psych 111 (intro psych) and the class average was in the 70's (this is WITH the curve)...and I studied all of like twice. On my first bio 105 (general bio 1) exam this semester, I got a 90 and the class average was a 65...and the class is for science majors only.

I originally was studying nursing, and even anatomy and physiology isn't challenging if you put in the effort to study. But Fraley, the main professor for that subject, sucks. Do not take her classes if you are in nursing. She tries to weed people out, so if you aren't super determined to become a nurse, don't take her classes, or switch to another major, like I did.

Basically: science & math classes are somewhat challenging, everything else is really easy and a great way to inflate your GPA. Good if you were bad in a subject and need catching up or a refresher, or if you need to develop time management skills (like me).

Professors: Most are nice and willing to help you. My experience with the teachers have been really positive (except for the one I mentioned before).

Price: definitely come here if you don't want to waste $25,000+ a year figuring out what you want to do. I spent a year here and discovered my major for a cheap, cheap $3500 for the year. I did well in my classes and got into the honors society/club, Phi Theta Kappa, and pretty much every school you can transfer to offers merit $$$ just for being in it and doing something (the president of the club this year was accepted to harvard with merit aid). Definitely a good choice just based on the price point. Will knock tens of thousands of dollars off the cost of college.Just make sure that you're motivated to study and you'll do fine. If you come here just because you think you need to go to college, but have no real desire to, you probably won't graduate and will have wasted your money. It can be easy to get lost by taking a bunch of classes and never figuring out what to do, if you aren't pretty motivated. Otherwise, it is definitely a good choice.

Male -- Class 2000

I went to DCC for four years because I changed my major after having a child. I graduated last May (2010) with a degree in Business Administration. I enjoyed my time at DCC because not only were the teachers friendly but they also genuinely made me feel like a paycheck was not their only reason for being there. I learned alot during my time here and was able to maintain a promotion to a supervisor position and care for my young son. The classes were flexible and my last semester I took both day and night classes and attened both the main and south (Wappingers Falls) campuses. The price was affordable and covered completely by my federal aid (I even got money back). There are many night clubs, bars etc. nearby but you do have to talk to people to find out where if you are not a local, which is hard to do because the highschool cliques transfer right into this college. The school is accredited and recognized by most as "Harvard on the Hudson" for the exceptional education they provide. I am no longer interested in working in the Business field (switched to medical) but it is a good degree to have to fall back on. Overall Dutchess is a great college for people who have a busy life already but want to get ahead.

4th Year Female -- Class 2010

Useful Schoolwork: A, Social Life: D-

DCC is the most affordable SUNY Community College in this area. It offers scholarships, financial aid, and other type of incentives to help you stay focused to obtain an Associates degree or to transfer to a four year University. I had little expectations when I first enrolled, but my experience as a non traditional student has been very satisfactory. Most Professors are professional, but it is also up to you to ensure good standards of education. Something to consider about DCC before enrolling is on transportation if the person does not have a car yet. The bus schedule is not so convenient, and there are no friendly sidewalks for pedestrians or cyclists. Another downside in my experience is in dealing with DCC Bookstore. Make sure you contact your professors about the books (as in making sure you use the one from the list or how much do you actually will use it). If you buy from them, double check the material you buy, and the material you received. Besides that, most of my experience with DCC has been rewarding.

1st Year Female -- Class 2012

Education Quality: A+, Surrounding City: C-