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Some of the best associate degree programs in the country can be found right here in southeast Minnesota at Rochester Community and Technical College.

That's was the word from college leaders earlier this week, after the results of a new survey were published that showed several of RCTC's programs ranked best in the country. Chalk up another area in which our region outshines the rest of Minnesota-- and the entire country!

The results were published in the latest rankings of Best Associate Degrees by tradecollege.org. Their new survey looked at several factors in determining just what constitutes a 'best' degree program, including the time it takes to graduate, the average salary graduates of the program will earn, and the level of debt students take on as they earn their degree.

RCTC’s Facility and Service Technology program is ranked #1 as the Best Building Management & Inspection Associate Degree in Minnesota; #1 as the Best Building Management & Inspection Undergraduate Certificate in the Plains States Region; and #1 as the Best Building Management & Inspection Undergraduate Certificate in Minnesota.

RCTC’s Healthcare Office Professional program is ranked #1 as the Best Health and Medical Administrative Services Associates Degree in Minnesota. The College’s Human Services program is ranked #1 as the Best Mental and Social Health Services Associates Degree in Minnesota.

There were other top finishes for RCTC's Dental Assisting and Carpentry programs as well. All of which is very impressive for the community college that has called the Med City home since 1915! If you're interested in those, or any of RCTC's programs, call the RCTC Welcome and One Stop Center at 507-285-7557 or you can check out their degree programs HERE.

And while RCTC is busy preparing the next round of graduates to head out into the world and secure their first job, this past year has been a tough one for some local stores and businesses. Keep scrolling to check out a list of places that aren't around in Rochester anymore-- though we wish they were!

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