December 20, 2007
Richard Bland College’s new residence halls provide significant cost savings to college freshman and sophomores
Next August, Richard Bland College (RBC) of The College of William and Mary, Virginia’s only junior college, will be transformed from a strictly commuter school to the only residential two-year institution in the Commonwealth. This transformation has begun with the construction of two new residence halls to accommodate 250 co-eds from all across the state of Virginia and beyond. This addition of a residential component means that RBC can now offer its exceptional curriculum and guaranteed transfer agreements to every qualified high school graduate in Virginia, whether they choose to live on campus or commute.
The College is set on a beautifully wooded 712-acre campus near the junction of interstate highways 95 and 85 adjacent to the Tri-Cities south of Richmond (Colonial Heights, Petersburg and Hopewell), at the border of Prince George and Dinwiddie counties.
Affiliated with The College of William and Mary, RBC focuses only on two-year associate degree programs for students who plan to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Unlike colleges that offer vocational training in addition to an academic component, RBC focuses on the core curriculum and areas of interest in the liberal arts, health sciences, business and education. Ninety percent of RBC’s graduates transfer to senior, four-year institutions. New program-to-program agreements offer students the opportunity to enter their junior year fully prepared to begin their major of choice, having chosen to concentrate in a professional or pre-professional area of study.
“RBC’s new residence halls provide the unprecedented opportunity for students five miles or 500 miles away from our campus to enjoy the full, collegiate experience, but at a significantly reduced cost,” said Dr. James B. McNeer, RBC president. “The academic rigor with which we approach the education of our students ensures that, upon entering a four-year institution, RBC graduates will have developed the same scholastic skills and have the same academic standing as the rest of their junior class. And, by providing students with the opportunity to live on campus, we also ensure that our students can develop the social and life skills that the residential experience cultivates.”
An RBC education, including tuition, fees and housing is among the most cost-effective options now available to students seeking to earn a four-year college degree. With tuition, housing and most other fees included, an RBC education may cost as little as $11,996 annually. This makes RBC about $5,000 less expensive a year than most Virginia four-year colleges and universities. And, once they qualify for transfer, students are guaranteed acceptance into major Virginia colleges such as The College of William and Mary, the University of Virginia, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Virginia Commonwealth University, James Madison University, Old Dominion University, or George Mason University and many more.
These first two of what is planned to be five such residence halls provide four-story apartment-style living. Each building will house approximately 130 students and will be divided into one, two, three and four bedroom apartments. Fully-furnished with all the amenities, including washer, dryer and microwave, and fully equipped with wireless access, these facilities are nothing like the old-style dormitories. The apartments will feature cutting-edge design concepts, a private kitchen and private baths, and they are built with the highest safety standards in mind. This is, indeed, a case of what you donÔø?t see, you do get. Each hall is built of heavy gauge steel framing (sigma stud construction), and pre-stressed concrete flooring forms all upper floors. This means that the residence halls are constructed entirely of non-combustible materials that far exceed official standards. Add this to RBCÔø?s well-lit campus and fully-staffed security department, and being away from home feels like the safety of being at home.
“We are very proud of the care that has gone into the design and construction of our new residential complex,” said Dr. McNeer. “Every choice was made with the student in mind, and that includes the choice of construction materials and floor plans. It’s a new day for RBC, but we have kept the same high standards in this initiative as we have in all others over the years.”
Visit this website to learn more about the residential complex and the exciting opportunities at Richard Bland College of the College of William and Mary. Interested seniors can also reach the Admission staff of the College at 804-862-6225.
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