River Parishes Community College: $4,079 Tuition

$4,079Tuition

1,828Students

31%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$37,848Earnings

#17 in LouisianaPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About River Parishes Community College

River Parishes Community College draws 1,828 students to the heart of Louisiana's chemical corridor. The school serves as a pipeline for the petrochemical industry that dominates the region between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. With 96% of students coming from Louisiana, this community college has deep roots in local workforce development. The rural-fringe setting means students get small-town access to big industry opportunities.

Students pay an average net price of $9,774 after financial aid, with in-state and out-of-state tuition both set at $4,079. Graduates earn a median of $37,848 ten years after enrollment, while typical student loan debt sits at $12,000. The monthly loan payment of $127 represents a manageable burden for most career paths. Only 23% of students take federal loans, suggesting many pay as they go or rely on employer sponsorship.

The student body splits almost evenly between men and women at 50.5% and 49.5%. White students make up 48% of enrollment while Black students represent 43%, reflecting the demographic makeup of the River Parishes region. With a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay accessible despite the school's workforce-focused mission. The Rougarous nickname nods to Louisiana folklore, connecting students to their cultural heritage.

Academics & Faculty

River Parishes Community College serves Louisiana's River Parishes region with practical career training and transfer programs. The 23:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of community colleges, though professors often bring real-world industry experience. The school focuses heavily on workforce development, offering programs in nursing, welding, industrial maintenance, and petrochemical technology that align with the area's refinery and chemical plant jobs. Students can complete associate degrees or certificates in two years or less. The 31% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing degrees. Strong dual enrollment partnerships help local high school students earn college credit early.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Full-Time Faculty: 48.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 31.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $37,848

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$73,321
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$53,358
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$38,289
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$24,562

View all 23 programs →

Campus Life

River Parishes Community College sits in the heart of Louisiana's rural chemical corridor, about 25 miles southeast of Baton Rouge. The 1,828 students navigate a humid subtropical climate where winter jackets are rare but umbrellas and sunscreen are essential year-round. With a 97.9% employment rate, many students juggle classes with jobs at nearby petrochemical plants or in healthcare.

The Rougarous reflect the region's Cajun heritage, though the student body of 47.76% white and 42.83% Black students creates a diverse community atmosphere. Nearly all students commute from the surrounding parishes, with 95.61% coming from in-state. Weekend life revolves around family gatherings, fishing the nearby Mississippi River, and part-time work rather than traditional college social scenes. The 23:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, creating a tight-knit academic environment. Many students complete workforce training programs in two years before entering Louisiana's industrial economy, where median earnings reach $37,848 within a decade.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1992

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 41°–62°F
July Avg: 73°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 63.4"
Annual Snowfall: 0.1"

Student Demographics

River Parishes draws almost exclusively from Louisiana, with 96% of students coming from in-state. The student body splits nearly evenly between men and women at this rural community college. About half the students are white and 43% are Black, reflecting the demographics of Louisiana's River Parishes region. One-third receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. The Rougarous compete in a tight-knit community where students often balance jobs with classes. Most graduates stay local after earning their degrees.

Men: 50.5%
Women: 49.5%
White: 47.8%
Black: 42.8%
Hispanic: 5.7%
Asian: 0.5%
In-State Students: 95.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 34.7%

Location

River Parishes Community College sits in Gonzales, Louisiana, about 20 miles southeast of Baton Rouge. The campus serves a rural-fringe community along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. With 95.61% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from the surrounding parishes known for petrochemical plants and sugar cane fields. Gonzales calls itself the "Jambalaya Capital of the World" and hosts an annual festival celebrating the dish. The area blends Cajun culture with industrial development along the river corridor. The small-town setting offers lower living costs while maintaining access to larger cities. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare River Parishes Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Gonzales, Louisiana 70737

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $37,848
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,652
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 55.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at River Parishes Community College?

River Parishes Community College follows an open admission policy typical of Louisiana community colleges. The school serves 1,828 students primarily from the local area, with 95.61% coming from in-state.

How much does River Parishes Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,774 per year at River Parishes Community College. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,521 after aid, making this one of Louisiana's most affordable higher education options.

What is the student-faculty ratio at River Parishes Community College?

River Parishes Community College maintains a 23:1 student-faculty ratio. The school focuses on workforce development and transfer preparation, serving the River Parishes region between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

What are the graduation outcomes at River Parishes Community College?

The college reports a 31.10% six-year graduation rate and an impressive 97.9% employment rate for graduates. Alumni earn a median of $37,848 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the school's emphasis on practical career training.

Where is River Parishes Community College located?

The campus sits in Gonzales, Louisiana, in a rural-fringe setting that serves the historic River Parishes region. This location provides access to both agricultural communities and the petrochemical corridor along the Mississippi River.

What makes River Parishes Community College's athletic teams unique?

The athletic teams are called the Rougarous, named after the legendary werewolf-like creature from Cajun folklore. This nickname reflects the school's deep connection to Louisiana's cultural heritage since its founding in 1992.