- 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 24,751 students (18% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 39:1 is higher than the state community college average of 32:1.
Minority enrollment is 92% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 77%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 24,751 students
- In-state tuition: $1,356
- Out-state tuition: $6,760
- Student:teacher ratio: 39:1
- Minority enrollment: 92%
- 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 634 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Rio Hondo College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
634 staff
315 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Rio Hondo College has grown by 27% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 39:1 has increased from 25:1 over five years.
The Rio Hondo College diversity score of 0.46 is less than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has grown by 31% over five years.
Total Enrollment
24,751 students
9,796 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
39:1
32:1
# Full-Time Students
4,455 students
1,259 students
# Part-Time Students
20,296 students
8,537 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
247 students
242 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
4,455 students
1,250 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
20,296 students
8,299 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
121 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
6%
13%
% Hispanic
72%
47%
% Black
2%
7%
% White
8%
23%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
1%
5%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
11%
3%
Diversity Score
0.46
0.70
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)
0.2471%
0.4286%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$36,700
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,356 is less than the state average of $1,516. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,760 is less than the state average of $6,779. The out-state tuition has declined by 23% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,356
$1,516
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,760
$6,779
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
82%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$8,063
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,750
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
93%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- 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
Is Contraception the Answer for College Completion Rates?
This article discusses the "Make it Personal: College Completion" campaign launched by the American Association of Community Colleges. The initiative aims to reduce unplanned pregnancies among community college students to improve completion rates. It explores the campaign's approaches, including curriculum integration and student services, and presents statistics on the impact of unplanned pregnancies on college success.
How a Community College Apprenticeship Improves Your Resume
Learn about the benefits of an apprenticeship during your time at community college and how it can benefit your resume and future career.
Careers: Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Logistics
Explore the dynamic world of customs brokerage and freight forwarding, where precision meets strategy in global logistics. This article delves into the critical role of customs brokers and freight forwarders, who navigate complex regulations and ensure the smooth transit of goods across international borders. Discover the skills and expertise required to excel in this field, from understanding tariff codes to managing documentation and customs clearance. Learn about the impact of these professionals on supply chain efficiency and the opportunities available in this growing industry.
