- Rio Hondo College is a collaborative center of lifelong learning which provides innovative, challenging, and quality educational offerings--including programs and courses leading to transfer and vocational degrees and certificates --for its diverse students and community.
School Highlights
Rio Hondo College serves 17,441 students (23% of students are full-time).
Minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 77%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 17,441 students
- In-state tuition: $1,356
- Out-state tuition: $6,760
- Minority enrollment: 87%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Rio Hondo College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 316 teachers has declined by 50% over five years.
Rio Hondo College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Traditional
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Colors
Blue and Gold
Total Faculty
316 staff
72 staff
Student Body
The student population of Rio Hondo College has declined by 22% over five years.
The Rio Hondo College diversity score of 0.53 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 43% over five years.
Total Enrollment
17,441 students
6,838 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
55:1
44:1
# Full-Time Students
3,991 students
1,022 students
# Part-Time Students
13,450 students
5,816 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
947 students
390 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
3,991 students
967 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
13,450 students
5,798 students
% Asian
5%
12%
% Hispanic
66%
46%
% Black
2%
7%
% White
13%
23%
% Two or more races
1%
5%
% Unknown races
12%
6%
Diversity Score
0.53
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
20%
28%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
24%
41%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$36,700
$32,200
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,356 is more than the state average of $1,236. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,760 is more than the state average of $6,577. The out-state tuition has declined by 31% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,356
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,760
$6,577
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
85%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$8,063
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,750
$6,272
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- School Mascot: Roadrunner
- Rio Hondo College (RHC), located in Southeast Los Angeles County near the intersection of the 60 and 605 freeways, enrolls over 20,000 students each semester. Rio Hondo College is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The college serves students from a variety of educational backgrounds, including recent high school graduates, people seeking new skills or careers, and lifelong learners wanting to add to their knowledge base. Rio Hondo educational programs prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities, grant two-year degrees in a number of specialties, issue certificates in technical or professional fields, provide contract training for employer workforces, and offer community service classes in subjects ranging from computer skills to cultural event fieldtrips. The college graduates close to 600 students every year, awarding two-year, Associate of Arts/Sciences degrees and nearly 500 specialty certificates. The college serves the cities of Whittier, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, El Monte, and South El Monte, as well as portions of Downey, La Mirada, La Puente, Industry, and some unincorporated portions of Los Angeles County. There are over 318,000 people residing in nearly 107,000 households served by the college. The diverse Rio Hondo College student population averages about 68% Hispanic, 12% Asian, 10% White Non-Hispanic, 2% Black, and 8% other or undeclared ethnicities. The college awards degrees in over 40 disciplines and certificates in close to 30 subjects. The college's Administration of Justice Program is the largest college-based program in the State of California and trains police officers for some 40 jurisdictions. In addition, RHC's Fire Technology, Nursing, Environmental Technology, Emergency Medical Technician, Welding, Drafting, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Automotive Technology Programs, among other vocational offerings, are top programs in the region. Classes are held in the day, evening and weekend as well as online through Rio Hondo's Virtual College.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Rio Hondo College cost?
Rio Hondo College's tuition is approximately $1,356 for In-State students and $6,760 for Out-State students.
What is Rio Hondo College's ranking?
Rio Hondo College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Largest student body.
Recent Articles
As Four-Year Colleges Enter Short-Term Training, Should You Still Choose a Community College?
As universities expand short-term workforce certificates, learn how community colleges compare on cost, flexibility, employer partnerships, and career outcomes.
What New Federal Aid Rules Mean for Short-Term Training Choices
Learn how new federal financial aid rules affect short-term workforce training programs and what prospective community college students should consider before enrolling.
Childcare, Transportation, and Food Support: Services That Drive Community College Completion
Learn how childcare, transportation, food assistance, and other basic needs services help community college students stay enrolled and graduate.
