Rio Hondo College: $1,388 Tuition

$1,388Tuition

15,365Students

27%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$44,950Earnings

Public4-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Rio Hondo College

Rio Hondo College serves over 15,000 students in the hills east of Los Angeles, bridging the gap between high school and four-year universities. This community college has built a strong reputation for career-focused programs and transfer preparation since opening in 1963. The campus sits in a rural-fringe setting that feels removed from urban pressures while remaining accessible to the greater LA area. Students here are primarily focused on gaining practical skills or completing prerequisites before transferring to four-year institutions.

The financial picture makes sense for most families. Students pay an average net price of $11,903, which covers tuition and living expenses. Graduates earn a median of $44,950 within ten years, making the typical debt load of $5,500 very manageable. Monthly loan payments average just $58, reflecting the school's affordability compared to four-year institutions. Nearly 24% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong support for lower-income families.

The student body reflects the surrounding community, with 71% Hispanic enrollment and 99.5% in-state students. Class sizes run large with a 31:1 student-faculty ratio, typical for community colleges. The Roadrunners field 10 varsity sports with 163 total athletes, though the athletic program offers no scholarships and competes independently.

Academics & Faculty

Rio Hondo College serves as a crucial transfer pathway for students in the San Gabriel Valley, with 71% of its student body being Hispanic and strong ties to local four-year universities. The 31:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of community colleges, though this keeps costs low with in-state tuition at just $1,388. The college is known for its nursing program, automotive technology, and fire academy that feeds into regional emergency services. With a 27% six-year graduation rate, students often take longer to complete degrees while working or attending part-time. The school emphasizes career preparation alongside academic transfer, helping students earn a median of $44,950 ten years after enrollment.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 31:1
Full-Time Faculty: 36.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 26.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 27.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,950

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$74,576
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$24,615
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$21,234

View all 93 programs →

Campus Life

Rio Hondo College sits on 295 acres in Whittier, about 20 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The campus feels spacious with its rural-fringe setting, though you're still close enough for day trips to beaches or the city. With 71% Hispanic enrollment, the campus reflects the diverse communities of Southeast LA County. Nearly all students (99.45%) come from California.

This is a commuter campus where most students drive to class then head home or to work. The student-faculty ratio of 31:1 means lecture halls can feel crowded, but professors know the challenges facing working students. Expect sunny Southern California weather year-round, so pack sunscreen rather than heavy coats. The 163 student athletes compete in 10 varsity sports as the Roadrunners, providing some campus spirit. Weekends tend to be quiet since students often work jobs or spend time with family. The low debt load of $5,500 and monthly loan payments of just $58 reflect the school's mission as an affordable stepping stone to four-year degrees or career training.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1963

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 46°–68°F
July Avg: 65°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 15.7"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Rio Hondo serves the predominantly Latino community of southeast Los Angeles County, with Hispanic students making up over 70% of the student body. Nearly all students come from California, reflecting the college's deep roots in local neighborhoods. The school attracts working-class families seeking affordable pathways to four-year universities or career training. Men slightly outnumber women at 58% to 42%, largely due to strong automotive and manufacturing programs. About a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, showing Rio Hondo's commitment to making higher education accessible to first-generation college students from the surrounding communities.

Men: 57.9%
Women: 42.1%
White: 10.4%
Black: 2.1%
Hispanic: 71.0%
Asian: 5.3%
In-State Students: 99.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 23.9%

Location

Rio Hondo College sits in Whittier, California, about 20 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The campus occupies a suburban community that blends residential neighborhoods with light industry in the San Gabriel Valley. Nearly all students (99.45%) come from in-state, reflecting the college's role as a local educational center. Whittier offers a quieter alternative to LA's urban intensity while maintaining easy access to the metropolitan area's job market and cultural attractions. The surrounding region features rolling hills and established communities that have grown alongside Southern California's aerospace and manufacturing industries. The college serves a predominantly Hispanic student body (71.03%) that mirrors the local demographics. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Rio Hondo College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Whittier, California 90601-1616

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $44,950
Median Earnings (5 years): $43,985
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 34.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $58/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $5,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Rio Hondo College?

As a community college, Rio Hondo College has an open admission policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves over 15,000 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education to the local community. Nearly all students are California residents, with 99.45% coming from in-state.

How much does Rio Hondo College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $11,903 annually, which is remarkably affordable for higher education. In-state tuition is just $1,388 per year, making it one of the most cost-effective options in California. Graduates leave with a median debt of only $5,500, resulting in manageable monthly loan payments of $58.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Rio Hondo College?

The student-faculty ratio is 31:1, which is typical for community colleges but means larger class sizes than four-year universities. The college operates on a semester system and primarily serves Hispanic students, who make up 71.03% of enrollment. Classes focus on both transfer preparation and career training programs.

What are the graduation rates at Rio Hondo College?

The four-year graduation rate is 26% and the six-year rate is 27.10%, which reflects the community college model where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Despite these rates, graduates achieve strong employment outcomes with a 90.1% employment rate. Ten years after enrollment, median earnings reach $44,950.

Where is Rio Hondo College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Whittier, California in a rural-fringe setting that provides a quieter environment than urban colleges. The Roadrunners compete in 10 varsity sports as an independent program with 163 total athletes. Founded in 1963, the college has built a reputation for serving the diverse communities of southeastern Los Angeles County.

Does Rio Hondo College offer athletic scholarships?

Rio Hondo College does not offer athletic scholarships, with $0 allocated for sports-based financial aid. However, nearly a quarter of students receive Pell Grants (23.85%), and those who do receive institutional aid get an average of $5,042. The focus remains on academic accessibility rather than athletic recruitment.