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First Generation Students

Proud To Be First-Gen

Your Setp-By-Step Guide

First-Gen Fun Facts

  • 61% First-Gen Applicants
  • 1 in 3 First Gen Students
  • 40% Faculty & Staff
  • 18,500 Alumni Worldwide
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WELCOME TO RBC

As a first-generation college student, you’re a trailblazer in your family, setting a precedent for educational achievement. This journey offers you the opportunity to unlock new potentials, access unique scholarships and dedicated support programs, and inspire future generations in your family to pursue higher education.​

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Choose Your Degree

  • Associate of Arts
  • Associate of Science Degree
  • Associate of Science Degree - Behavioral Sciences
  • Associate of Science Degree - Business Administration
  • Associate of Science Degree – Math/Computer Science
  • Associate of Science Degree – Physical Science
  • Associate of Science Degree – Life Science
  • Associate of Science Degree – Clinical Lab Sciences
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Cost of Attending

Richard Bland College of William & Mary is one of the most affordable colleges to attend in Virginia. Commuter students pay as low as $8,160 per year to receive a liberal arts education steeped in the tradition of William & Mary, one of America’s oldest and most prestigious institutions. Watch the video to learn how attending RBC can save you money.

TUITION & HOUSING RATES

FAQs for First Gen

  • How does RBC define First-Generation college students?

      • RBC defines a First-Generation students as a student whose parents or guardians did not earn a bachelor’s degree from a college or university.

  • What kind of support does RBC provide for First-generation college students?

      • RBC has many programs and departments that help all of our students. As you consider schools, the Office of Admissions supports students through the application process.
      • The Department of Student Success supports all students. All of the functions are designed to provide support that helps students maximize their academic success. The Learner Mentors/advisor serve as a resource for students to assist students with their academics. Learner Mentors provide guidance on courses and requirements need for academic goals and workshops that focus on time management, study skills, etc. and can also refer students to appropriate resources on campus such as Math and Science Tutoring Center, Writing Center and more.

       

  • How can I be successful at RBC?

      • As a college student you will need to balance academics, personal & work life and extracurriculars. Make academics a priority as you are here for an education. Attend all your classes and organize your due dates for all classes. Set up meetings with your professor early in the semester to talk about the course and ways to be successful.
      • If you do have a job on campus or off campus, pay attention to the number of hours you work and build your schedule around times you will not be overwhelmed with coursework. If you are taking more than 12 credit hours, it is recommended that you should work no more than 20 hours per week.You must remember that you are here at RBC to get a degree so your focus should be on being academically successful.
      • It is expected that for each course you are enrolled in, you should expect to spent at least 7-9 hours doing work for that course (in class and outside class). For example, if you are taking 15 credits, you should expect to spend 40-45 hours per week (including class time) on those courses.

       

       

  • I would like to work on-campus. How can I find a job on campus?

      • Richard Bland College offers a variety of Work-Study jobs on campus. RBC is committed to providing students with meaningful work opportunities that allow them to better engage with the RBC community. Students will develop the skills and experiences in today’s job market and gives them the opportunity to actively contribute towards the cost of their education. Please visit our Student Employment page for information on how to apply and what departments are hiring.

  • What is a Learner Mentor at RBC?

      • A Learner Mentors serve as student’s advisors to help guide them through their academic journey at RBC. Each student is assigned a student based on their Degree Track at RBC. First Year students are developed a schedule based on their intended academic interests. Students are required to meet with their Learner Mentor before registering for courses each semester. Students are encouraged to meet with their Learner Mentor any time they have academic questions.

       

       

       

       

  • Does RBC offer Tutoring?

      • Richard Bland has the Math and Science Tutoring center that students can help with basic math and science courses such as Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry and more. RBC also has a Writing Center on campus that can offer support with English courses or other writing intensive assignments. Please visit Tutoring for more information.

  • What housing options are at Richard Bland College?

      • RBC offers apartment-style living where residents share amenities including kitchen, living room and bathroom. To Learn more please visit Residence Life

  • My professor said I submit my work in Canvas. What is that?

      • Canvas is the system RBC uses to manage online components of courses such as syllabi (guide or plan for a specific course) and assignments. To access Canvas, You would need to go to Canvasand use your Statesman Account Management (SAM) credentials to login. Once logged in, you will see all courses you are enrolled in.

       

  • I don’t understand my Financial Aid award, who can help me?

      • The Office of Financial Aid (located in Pecan Hall) can help you and your parents or guardians understand your Financial Aid.

  • How do online courses work at RBC?

      • Online courses do not have meeting times, but instructors post course materials or recorded lectures to assist students with the course. Students are expected to complete the assignments by the assigned due dates. For example, some courses require students to submit weekly quizzes along with discussion posts each week. Each instructor may have slightly different requirements.

  • When will housing assignments go out?

      • Housing Assignments typically go out during the summer in July. Please contact Residence Life for more information.

  • What is SAM Account?

      • SAM is your Statesman Account Management (SAM) that is your username and password that students use to access RBC systems such as Canvas, Statesman Mail, Banner and more. More information can be found at the Statesman Technical Assistance Center (STAC)

  • If you live on campus, are you required to have a meal plan?

      • All students that live on campus are required to select a meal plan. If you would like a reduced meal plan, please contact Residence Life.

       

  • How do I know what books I need for my classes?

      • Students can visit the Bookstore and enter what classes they are taking and the bookstore will pull up what books are required. Students are also encouraged to email their instructors as well.
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RBC Scholarships

Richard Bland College of William & Mary can offset tuition for students with many different scholarship options, including the Promise Scholars partnership with William & Mary and the College’s robust Honors program.

Clicking on the Financial Aid & Scholarships link below helps students and parents understand:

• If they qualify for aid

• Types of financial aid available

• How to accept financial aid

• How to fill out their FAFSA form

• Type of scholarships available

 

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Your RBC Experience

RBC Fun Facts

RBC’s informative Quick Guide provides students with a comprehensive interactive look at the college — from programs and degrees, to campus living to transfer options and much more! Check it out. It’s cool!

Interactive RBC Quick Guide »

What's It Like to Live on Campus

Richard Bland College of William & Mary is the only two-year college in Virginia that offers on-campus living in either Patriot Hall and Freedom Hall. Patriot and Freedom feature apartment style rooms divided into two separate bedrooms accommodating four students. Each suite has a common area, a full kitchen, two bathrooms, and a washer and dryer. All residence halls have common spaces with games, televisions, computer labs and free WiFi. Watch the video to learn more about living on camus.

  Your Home Away From Home »

RBC Guides Your Pathway To Success

RBC’s Guided Pathways for Success (GPS@RBC) program focuses on the College’s commitment to 100% student success by providing each student with a dedicated Learner Mentor. Advising takes place from the time the student is accepted until they graduate with their associate degree.

Contact Admissions »

Our Safe & Secure Campus

Richard Bland College of William & Mary is a certified crime prevention campus. What does that mean. Check out the video to learn more about the College’s commitment to being safe and secure.

  Safe & Secure »

The RBC Event Calendar

The Event Calendar shows organized events to students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the college, providing them with insights into what is going on in and around campus.

Let’s Go Statesmen!

Richard Bland College of William & Mary fields eight intercollegiate teams, including: men’s and women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, men’s volleyball, men’s basketball, baseball, softball, and women’s beach volleyball. The Statesmen compete as a Division I member of the National Junior College Athletic Association and have won both national championships and Region 10 conference championships in basketball, men’s soccer, softball and women’s volleyball.

RBC Athletics

Four-Year Transfer Partners

Richard Bland College of William & Mary prepares students for transfer to highly-ranked colleges and universities. RBC has guaranteed transfer agreements with 35-plus institutions throughout Virginia that enables you to seamlessly transfer to earn your bachelors degree.
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