Richland Community College, founded in 1971, is a comprehensive community college offering baccalaureate, technical, continuing education, and community service programs. The College has an "Open Door" policy which allows anyone within the district that could benefit from a higher education to be admitted to the College. The purpose of a comprehensive community college is to serve all who then can serve to build a better society.
Richland is governed by an eight-member Board of Trustees. Seven of the members are elected on staggered, six-year terms by the registered voters living within the College district. The eighth member is a student who is elected for a one-year term by the student body of the College.
Richland offers several degrees in its Baccalaureate/Transfer Program including an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Fine Arts, and Associate in Engineering Science. Over 30 areas of concentration are available for students. Students earning degrees in any of these areas can then transfer their credits on to a four-year college or university.
The Career and Technical Education Programs are designed to prepare students to move directly into the workforce with specific skills. Students can earn Basic Certificates, Advanced Certificates or Associate in Applied Science Degrees in over 40 different career areas.
Continuing and Professional Education offers customized training for businesses, with a broad scope of programs designed to meet all types of needs. Programs are available for computer skills, basic skills, customer service, technical training, occupational safety training, commercial truck drivers, and management training. Continuing and Professional Education also offers short-term non-credit classes that serve all ages. These personal development and personal interest classes meet the varied interests of individuals. Classes are offered in computer software programs, dance, finance and investment, exercise, fine arts, and more.
The College serves residents of Macon County and parts of Christian, DeWitt, Logan, Moultrie, Piatt, Sangamon, and Shelby Counties. Approximately 7,600 students are served annually at the main campus in Decatur, the Clinton Extension Center, Hope Academy, and other locations throughout the District.
