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 gives you a low-debt path with a modest payoff. You leave with a median debt of $5,500, one of the cheapest debt loads you'll find, and earn about $44,950 a decade after enrolling. That earnings figure sits below the pay you'd expect from a strong four-year degree, so the value here comes from keeping costs down, not from a high salary at the end.
The 27% graduation rate is the biggest risk. Nearly three of four students who start here don't finish on the tracked timeline, and the debt-plus-earnings math only works if you actually graduate. If you enroll, borrow, and leave without a credential, you carry the cost with none of the payoff. Treat finishing as the whole point.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed for Rio Hondo, so there's no way to tell you which specific majors pay off here. Judge programs by whether they lead to a licensed or in-demand field in the greater Los Angeles job market, and confirm the credential transfers or licenses you into work.
The net price tiers hold a surprise: families earning over $110k pay $11,240, less than families earning $48-75k, who pay $13,812. The middle-income squeeze is real here, and the highest earners get a better deal than households right in the middle. If your family lands in that $48-110k band, budget for the top end of Rio Hondo's price range.
This school fits you if you want a cheap, low-risk start close to Whittier and plan to transfer or move into a specific licensed field. Look elsewhere if you need a program with proven bachelor-level earnings, since the numbers here don't promise a high salary on their own.
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.