Rio Hondo College (RHC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Rio Hondo College
Perched in the hills above Whittier, Rio Hondo College pairs a friendly, come-as-you-are vibe with solid academics. It's known for strong transfer preparation and hands-on training in technical and public service fields, grounded in the arts and sciences. Students find a modern library, practical labs and studios, tutoring and counseling, plus a career center and wellness resources for everyday support.
Student life has a local heartbeat: clubs, student government, cultural showcases, and casual rec, with trails and parks close by. The culture leans supportive and first-generation aware. Faculty and staff focus on next steps, from resume help to employer visits and internships around Los Angeles. Uptown Whittier adds cafes and small-town charm, while the service-minded spirit and clear pathways into real work set the place apart.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Rio Hondo College (RHC) offers 88 degree programs across 29 major academic fields, graduating approximately 4,244 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Liberal Arts (2 programs, 1,947 graduates), Security & Safety (8 programs, 506 graduates), Business (9 programs, 309 graduates), Human Sciences (2 programs, 243 graduates) and Mechanics (4 programs, 153 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 1,947 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 1,837 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
24.0101 |
| Humanities Studies | 110 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0103 |
Security & Safety (8 programs, 506 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Prevention and Safety Technology | 156 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
43.0201 |
| Criminal Justice Administration | 152 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
43.0103 |
| Criminal Justice and Police Science | 83 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
43.0107 |
| Fire Science and Firefighting | 74 |
|
Other Award
|
43.0203 |
| Forensic Science and Technology | 17 |
|
Other Award
|
43.0406 |
| Wildland Firefighting and Investigation | 14 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
43.0206 |
| CNC Machinist Technology | 5 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
43.0102 |
| Criminal Justice, Other | 5 |
|
Other Award
|
43.0199 |
Business (9 programs, 309 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 228 |
|
Associate's
|
52.0201 |
| Accounting and Bookkeeping Technology | 32 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0302 |
| Office Management and Supervision | 17 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0204 |
| Sales and Marketing Operations | 11 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.1801 |
| Logistics and Supply Chain Management | 9 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0203 |
| Small Business Management | 8 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0703 |
| Retail Management | 2 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
52.0212 |
| Banking and Financial Services | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0803 |
| Hospitality Management | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
52.0901 |
Human Sciences (2 programs, 243 graduates)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child Care Provider and Assistant | 240 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
19.0709 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies | 3 |
|
Associate's
|
19.0501 |
Mechanics (4 programs, 153 graduates)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Mechanics Technology | 101 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
47.0604 |
| Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology | 33 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
47.0614 |
| Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology | 13 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
47.0302 |
| Electrical and Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair | 6 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
47.0101 |
Interdisciplinary (1 programs, 146 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological and Physical Sciences | 146 |
|
Associate's
|
30.0101 |
Psychology (1 programs, 132 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 132 |
|
Associate's
|
42.0101 |
Social Sciences (6 programs, 123 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 70 |
|
Associate's
|
45.1101 |
| Political Science and Government | 21 |
|
Associate's
|
45.1001 |
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography | 11 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
45.0702 |
| Social Sciences | 8 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0101 |
| Economics | 7 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0601 |
| Anthropology | 6 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0201 |
Arts (7 programs, 97 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design | 35 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
50.0409 |
| Art Studies | 34 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0701 |
| Music | 11 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
50.0901 |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 6 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0101 |
| Dance | 6 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
50.0301 |
| Theatre Arts | 4 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0501 |
| Photography | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0605 |
Health (4 programs, 93 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 46 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
| Licensed Practical Nursing | 27 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.3901 |
| Clinical Laboratory Science and Allied Professions | 10 |
|
Other Award
|
51.1099 |
| Substance Abuse Counseling | 10 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.1501 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Rio Hondo College (RHC)
How much does it cost to attend Rio Hondo College (RHC)?
The annual tuition at Rio Hondo College (RHC) is $1,388 for in-state students and $9,884 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $2,326 for in-state students and $10,822 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $19,431 (off-campus) and books and supplies $938.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Rio Hondo College offer?
Rio Hondo College (RHC) offers 88 academic programs across 29 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (2 programs)
- Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety (8 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (9 programs)
- Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development (2 programs)
- Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance (4 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Rio Hondo College?
Rio Hondo College (RHC) provides financial aid to 8% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $5,492 and average loans of $4,009.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,112
- State/Local grants: $1,932
- Institutional grants: $1,300
- Federal loans: $4,009
The university supports 1,109 students with grants and 5 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Rio Hondo College graduates?
Rio Hondo College (RHC) graduates earn a median salary of $35,115 after 6 years and $44,950 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $25,321 (25th percentile) to $67,890 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $71,700 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
Related Universities
Found something useful? Help others discover it too! Share with friends, on social media, or save for later - every share helps someone find the information they need.