At $11,903/yr net price, Rio Hondo College graduates earn $44,950/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,950/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,903 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $47,612 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,950/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,950/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $5,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,073/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,521/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,812/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,971/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,240/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
27.1% of students at Rio Hondo College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Rio Hondo College delivers strong ROI for students who complete their programs, with median 10-year earnings of $44,950 against a relatively low net price of $11,903 annually. The college's financial appeal hinges almost entirely on your ability to graduate, as the 27% graduation rate creates significant financial risk for students who don't finish.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $74,576 annually. This program justifies the investment and positions graduates well in Southern California's healthcare market. However, the college's other major programs tell a different story. Criminal Justice graduates earn just $24,615, while Liberal Arts majors see median earnings of $21,234, both falling well below the national average for college graduates.
Your biggest financial risk here is not completing your degree. With graduation rates below 30%, many students accumulate debt and time costs without the credential needed to access higher-paying jobs. The median debt of $5,500 remains manageable for those who graduate, but becomes problematic for the majority who don't.
Rio Hondo makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing or have a clear transfer plan to complete your bachelor's degree elsewhere. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited financial support beyond basic community college funding. Students considering criminal justice or liberal arts programs should carefully evaluate whether these career paths align with their income expectations, as the earnings potential doesn't strongly support the investment even at this relatively affordable institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rio Hondo College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Rio Hondo College offers decent value with a low net price of $11,903 annually and minimal debt of $5,500 for graduates. However, the 27% graduation rate is concerning and may affect your ability to complete your program.
What are the best paying programs at Rio Hondo College?
Nursing programs at Rio Hondo College provide strong ROI with graduates earning around $74,576 annually. Criminal Justice graduates earn significantly less at $24,615, while Liberal Arts graduates average just $21,234.
Do Rio Hondo College graduates have high student debt?
Rio Hondo College graduates typically have low debt loads with a median of $5,500. This is well below national averages and makes the financial risk relatively manageable even if career outcomes vary.
What is the job market outlook for Rio Hondo College graduates?
Rio Hondo College graduates earn a median of $44,950 ten years after enrollment, which is modest but reasonable given the low cost. Career success depends heavily on your program choice, with nursing offering much better prospects than general studies.