About Riverside City College
Riverside City College serves as a major transfer pathway for students throughout the Inland Empire. The college enrolls 17,361 students on its urban campus, making it one of California's larger community colleges. Hispanic students comprise 67.51% of enrollment, reflecting the demographics of Riverside County. The college has built a strong reputation for preparing students to transfer to four-year universities, particularly within the UC and CSU systems.
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $2,741 annually after aid, while the average net price across all income levels is $4,026. Graduates earn a median of $41,091 ten years after starting, representing solid returns on a modest investment. Those who borrow money graduate with a median debt of only $8,000, keeping monthly loan payments at just $85. The combination of low costs and decent earning potential makes this an affordable path to career advancement.
The Tigers compete in 18 varsity sports with 367 total athletes, though the college doesn't offer athletic scholarships. Women outnumber men 58% to 42% on campus. Nearly 98% of students come from California, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the large enrollment. The 32% graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family responsibilities.
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $2,741 annually after aid, while the average net price across all income levels is $4,026. Graduates earn a median of $41,091 ten years after starting, representing solid returns on a modest investment. Those who borrow money graduate with a median debt of only $8,000, keeping monthly loan payments at just $85. The combination of low costs and decent earning potential makes this an affordable path to career advancement.
The Tigers compete in 18 varsity sports with 367 total athletes, though the college doesn't offer athletic scholarships. Women outnumber men 58% to 42% on campus. Nearly 98% of students come from California, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the large enrollment. The 32% graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family responsibilities.
Academics & Faculty
Riverside City College serves as a major transfer pathway for students heading to four-year universities, particularly within the California State University and University of California systems. The college enrolls 17,361 students with a student-faculty ratio of 26:1, which is typical for California community colleges but means students need to be proactive about seeking help. The 32% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer before completing their associate degrees. Strong programs include nursing, automotive technology, and digital media arts. The college also offers robust career technical education in fields like welding and cosmetology. Most students use RCC as an affordable stepping stone to higher education.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 26:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 37.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 32.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,091
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $75,204 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $32,925 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,117 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Associate | $17,310 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $10,617 |
Campus Life
Riverside City College sits in California's Inland Empire, about 60 miles east of Los Angeles. The 97.26% in-state enrollment creates a tight-knit community feel despite the large 17,361 student body. Most students commute from nearby neighborhoods, as this is a commuter campus without dorms. The 26:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes, but professors know the local community well.
The Hispanic-majority student population (67.51%) reflects Riverside's diverse culture, with many students balancing work and family responsibilities alongside their studies. Weekend life often revolves off-campus at nearby UC Riverside events or downtown Riverside's Mission Inn district. The Tigers compete in 18 varsity sports with 367 total athletes, though without athletic scholarships. Students pack sunscreen rather than winter coats for the year-round sunny weather. The 87.4% employment rate shows many students work while attending classes. Campus buzzes during the day but empties by evening as students head to jobs or family commitments.
The Hispanic-majority student population (67.51%) reflects Riverside's diverse culture, with many students balancing work and family responsibilities alongside their studies. Weekend life often revolves off-campus at nearby UC Riverside events or downtown Riverside's Mission Inn district. The Tigers compete in 18 varsity sports with 367 total athletes, though without athletic scholarships. Students pack sunscreen rather than winter coats for the year-round sunny weather. The 87.4% employment rate shows many students work while attending classes. Campus buzzes during the day but empties by evening as students head to jobs or family commitments.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1916
Campus Safety (2023)
9 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 44°–69°F
- July Avg
- 62°–94°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 9.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Riverside City College draws overwhelmingly from the local Inland Empire community, with 97% of students coming from California. The student body reflects the region's diversity, with Hispanic students making up more than two-thirds of enrollment. This demographic mix aligns with the college's mission as an accessible pathway for first-generation college students and working families in Riverside County. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, typical for community colleges where many students pursue healthcare, education, and transfer programs. The college serves as a crucial stepping stone for students seeking affordable higher education close to home.
- Men
- 42.0%
- Women
- 58.0%
- White
- 13.3%
- Black
- 7.1%
- Hispanic
- 67.5%
- Asian
- 6.2%
- In-State Students
- 97.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 32.9%
Location
Riverside City College sits in Riverside, California, about 60 miles east of Los Angeles in the heart of the Inland Empire. The city of 330,000 people offers an affordable alternative to coastal California living while maintaining access to major metropolitan areas. Riverside's historic downtown features the Mission Inn, a National Historic Landmark that draws visitors year-round. The region experiences over 280 sunny days annually and sits at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains. With 97.26% of students coming from in-state, most are familiar with Southern California's sprawling suburban landscape. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Riverside City College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Riverside, California 92506
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,091
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,124
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 41.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $85/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $8,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the enrollment process like at Riverside City College?
Riverside City College serves 17,361 students as one of California's largest community colleges. The school maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background or test scores.
How much does Riverside City College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $4,026 annually at Riverside City College. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $2,741 after aid, while the base in-state tuition starts at only $1,420.
What are the class sizes like at Riverside City College?
Classes average 26 students per faculty member at Riverside City College. The school focuses heavily on transfer preparation and career training programs that serve the diverse Inland Empire region.
How successful are graduates from Riverside City College?
Riverside City College graduates earn a median of $41,091 ten years after enrollment with an 87.4% employment rate. The 32% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's role as a stepping stone for transfer students and working adults.
What is the campus diversity like at Riverside City College?
Hispanic students make up 67.51% of enrollment at Riverside City College, reflecting the demographics of Riverside County. Women comprise 58% of the student body, and nearly all students (97.26%) come from California.
Does Riverside City College offer athletics programs?
The Tigers compete in 18 varsity sports with 367 total athletes at Riverside City College. The school operates as an independent in athletics and offers no athletic scholarships, focusing instead on affordable education since its founding in 1916.
