Three Rivers College (TRC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Three Rivers Community College (TRCC) is a public, two-year community college that exists to meet the higher education needs of the residents of Southeast Missouri. The history of TRCC dates back to 1966 when residents of the four counties in southeast Missouri voted for creating the college. The first classes were held in 1967 with a total enrollment of 138 students. Three Rivers Community College moved to its present campus, which is spread over an area of 80 acres, in 1979.

Presently, the college has a total enrollment of approximately 3,700 students. The main campus is located in Poplar Bluff, Missouri with centers in Piedmont, Doniphan, Van Buren, Cape Girardeau, Kennett, Dexter, Portageville, Malden, and Sikeston.

Three Rivers Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Missouri Department of Higher Education.

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Information Summary

Ranks 78th in Missouri and 3331st overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	45.7
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$16,480
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	26 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	58% / 39%
Enrollment Total (all students)	3,076

Academics

Three Rivers Community College offers associate degrees and certificate programs. Popular programs offered at the college include General Education, Pre-Nursing, Teaching, Business Administration, Nursing, Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Education, and Psychology.

Associate Degrees

Three Rivers offers the Associate in Arts (AA), Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT), and Associate of Science (AS) degree programs for students who eventually want to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a BA or BS degree. The college offers Associate in Arts degrees in areas such as Agriculture, Art, Biological Sciences, Business Administration, English, and Environmental Horticulture. Students pursuing the Associate in Science degree can opt for numerous areas of specialization such as Administration of Justice, Environmental Health, and Pre-Engineering. Students opting for the Associate of Arts in Teaching degree program can specialize in Elementary Education, Middle School Education, Secondary Education, Music Education–Instrumental, and Music Education–Vocal.

Three Rivers Community College also offers the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree for students who want to take up a profession directly after completing their coursework at the school. Students opting for the AAS degree can major in areas such as Accounting Technology, Agriculture Systems, Applied Technology, Business Management, Criminal Justice, Building Trades Technology, and Computer Maintenance Technology.

Certificate Programs

Three Rivers Community College also offers various career-oriented certificate programs for students who want to prepare for specific occupations and students who want to upgrade their skills. The certificate programs last from several months to one year. The areas in which various certificate programs are offered include Environmental/Occupational Safety and Health Technology, Fire Science, Geographic Information Systems Technology, Green Diesel, Information Systems Technology, and Surgical Technology.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Admissions

Three Rivers Community College has an open-door admissions policy in which any student at least 18 years of age that has graduated from high school or has a GED certificate can apply for admission. Students who do not meet these criterions can still apply for admission and their application will be considered on an individual basis.

Undergraduate Admissions

All prospective degree and certificate applicants need to submit the Three Rivers Community College application for admission. They are required to submit their ACT scores if available; if ACT scores are not available, students are required to appear for the COMPASS placement test for assessment of basic skills in reading, mathematics, and writing. Students are also required to submit proof of immunizations.

Special Requirements

Some programs such as Nursing and Medical Laboratory Technology have specific application procedures and require students to submit proof of high school algebra or chemistry.

International Applicants

International applicants seeking admission to Three Rivers Community College are required to submit the International Admissions application form along with a Statement of Financial Responsibility. They are also required to provide evidence of their proficiency in English by submitting their TOEFL/IELTS scores.

Financial Aid

Three Rivers Community College participates in a variety of financial aid programs to help students meet their educational expenses. Different types of financial aid programs are available for the students. These include scholarships, grants, loans and Federal work-study programs.

Scholarships, Grants, and Loans

The merit-based awards available to eligible Three Rivers Community College students include the Trustee Scholarship, Opportunity Scholarship, Incentive Scholarship, GED Scholarship, Agriculture Scholarship, and Memorial Scholarship. The need-based awards include Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and the Missouri Student Grant. Students may be eligible for various direct loans by demonstrating Satisfactory Academic Progress and completing additional loan requirements. Students can also apply for work-study programs in which they can seek on-campus and off-campus work-study positions. Students are only allowed to work for 15 hours per week during fall and spring semesters.

FAFSA

To apply for financial aid from Three Rivers Community College, students are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the U.S. Department of Education. Three Rivers Community College recommends a priority deadline of April 1 to apply for financial aid.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 5392nd for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Missouri.

Students

Three Rivers Community College offers numerous opportunities for the overall development of its students.

Advisors are allocated to all students to provide valuable guidance related to selecting specific courses, exploring educational and career opportunities, and identifying strengths and interests. Other student support services include peer mentoring, tutoring, transfer assistance, career counseling, and motivational library. Three Rivers Community College communicates with its students through Toilet Talk, a bi-monthly newsletter, posted in the bathroom stalls for keeping students updated on future events.

Student Organizations

There are numerous student organizations on campus. These include Aggies, Dance Team, College Democrats, Multicultural Organization, and Phi Beta Lambda.

Campus Events

The college hosts various events throughout the year to keep students involved in campus life. Some of these events include films, concerts, exhibits, plays, skating, bowling, and various intramural activities.

On-Campus Housing and Facilities

Housing facilities are available for students at Rivers Ridge Apartments, a housing complex with facilities such as a pool, clubhouse, and picnic pavilion. The Rivers Ridge Apartments comprise 46 four bedroom apartments. Each apartment has private bedroom units, two bathrooms, living room and a fully-equipped kitchen. Dining facilities are available at three restaurants on campus: The Bread Company, Hunt Brothers Pizza and The Chicken Coop.

Three Rivers Community College Bookstore stocks rental textbooks, school supplies, gift items, and merchandise.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Athletics

Three Rivers Community College athletic teams are known as the Raiders. Three Rivers Community College is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). The varsity sports include men’s basketball and baseball and women’s basketball and softball. To ensure the physical well-being of the students, the college offers the Ben and Martha Bidewell Fitness Center with 2,250 square feet of exercise space.

Bibliography

Three Rivers Community College. About Three Rivers. Web. 23 September 2011.

Three Rivers Community College. On-Campus Student Housing. Web. 23 September 2011.

Three Rivers Community College. 2011 – 2012 College Catalog. 2011. Print.

Three Rivers College