Public Institution

Rio Hondo College — Whittier, California

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Annual Tuition $1,388

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 100%

Open Admission

Enrollment 15,365

Active Students

Avg. Salary $44,950

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Whittier, California

Institution type Public

Accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

Founded 6/20/1966

Academic Mission & Environment

"Rio Hondo College stands as a pillar of higher education in Whittier, providing a robust academic foundation for 15,365 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Rio Hondo College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Rio Hondo College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Humanities

37.8%

Enrollment Share

Security & Law Enforcement

17.9%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing

9.1%

Enrollment Share

Family & Consumer Science

5.4%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences

3.7%

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts

3.3%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Security & Law Enforcement College

The Security & Law Enforcement program provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Family & Consumer Science College

The Family & Consumer Science program at Rio Hondo College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Rio Hondo College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Rio Hondo College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Rio Hondo College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 100%

Difficulty Low

Rio Hondo College maintains an acceptance rate of 100%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are not reported.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 57.9%

Women Enrollment 42.1%

Open Pathway Confirmed

Rio Hondo College follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Unlock access to Rio Hondo College's high-demand programs without the stress of standardized testing benchmarks.

Official Admission Portal

How much does Rio Hondo College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $1,388

Out-of-State Tuition $9,884

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 23.9%

Median Student Debt $5,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $1,388, graduates see a median starting salary of $44,950, making it one of the most affordable pathways in California.

What salary can Rio Hondo College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $44,950

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 27.1%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $11,903

Median Salary (6yr) $35,115

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Rio Hondo College in Whittier?

15,365 Students

Gender Comparison

57.9% Men

42.1% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.2%

Pacific Islander

0.2%

Asian

5.3%

Black

2.1%

White

10.4%

Unknown

9.7%

Hispanic

71%

Two or More Races

International

0.2%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 22

🎓

First-Generation 68.3%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 99.7%

🎖️

Veterans 0.8%

💍

Married Students 5.7%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$57,521
Average Family Income	$22,483
Median Family Income	$19,375

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

48.3%

51.7%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Whittier Campus Environment

Located at 3600 Workman Mill Rd, Rio Hondo College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of California. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Rio Hondo College compare?

Direct Comparison Rio Hondo College vs Southern California Health Sciences →

Direct Comparison Rio Hondo College vs Whittier College →

Common Questions about Rio Hondo College

Is Rio Hondo College a good college in Whittier, California?

Rio Hondo College is a recognized institution in Whittier with an enrollment of 15,365 students. It is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges and offers a robust ROI for students in California based on Department of Education data.

Is Rio Hondo College worth attending in 2026?

Yes, Rio Hondo College offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $44,950. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does Rio Hondo College cost for California residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Rio Hondo College is approximately $1,388. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $9,884. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Rio Hondo College after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Rio Hondo College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 99.7% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Rio Hondo College good for Humanities and Security & Law Enforcement programs?

Rio Hondo College is highly regarded for its Humanities and Security & Law Enforcement programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending Rio Hondo College?

Graduates of Rio Hondo College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Humanities. With a median salary of $44,950, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Rio Hondo College?

Rio Hondo College operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does Rio Hondo College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, Rio Hondo College follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can Rio Hondo College graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Rio Hondo College earn a median salary of $44,950 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Rio Hondo College a good investment compared to other CA colleges?

Rio Hondo College stands out as a high-value investment in California. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is Rio Hondo College located and what is the campus like?

Rio Hondo College is located at 3600 Workman Mill Rd in Whittier, CA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 15,365 learners.

Who typically attends Rio Hondo College in Whittier, CA?

The student body at Rio Hondo College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 68.3% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: California

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Rio Hondo College with other leading institutions in California across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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