I came here for an Accounting class and enjoyed the campus, amenities, professor, and material we went over. It was an excellent educational experience. I recently came for an E-Waster disposal event, it was well organized and the staff were extremely friendly. read more

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I had a very disappointing experience with Rio Hondo College's ADN program. After completing their lengthy and detailed application process--including submitting transcripts, forms, and letters--they ultimately rejected my application because they claimed I didn't send my TEAS test score "through the ATI website." What bothers me most is that there was no clear communication or reminder about this requirement. I had uploaded my TEAS score with the application, assuming it was sufficient. They never emailed, called, or gave me a chance to correct it. Instead, they quietly disqualified my application without a single follow-up. When I contacted the office, I was simply told to "apply again next August" like it was no big deal. For a program that demands professionalism and attention to detail, it's incredibly ironic how little they offered in terms of student support or basic communication. I expected more from an institution that claims to train future healthcare professionals. I won't be applying again. read more

Thank God I got out of this school! I got into the VN program and it was horrific. The teachers were rude and insanely unprofessional. Basically long story short I went to another school and I'm an RN already. I'm sooo happy I got into that other school and went through a more professional and peaceful environment! This place is horrific honestly don't even apply to the VN program at all SKIP THIS SCHOOL. Steer clear of this school where the teachers and admission people need to probably be patients themselves in a mental ward... read more

I spent 2 years in this college and I love every professors. They all care for their students, professional and helpful as well. The only part I don't like in this school is they take really long to file a document for student, also the system for register new classes for new semester. You have to do it manually like you have to prepare a paper that note down all the information such as time because there will be time conflict in classes you chose I hope there will be more interesting clubs to help develop the communication in school between students and students or actually help for their own major in school. THE PLUS in this school is that you get FREE ingredients for your homecook. This is very nice and kind of the staff for thinking of people struggle with their finance read more

Rio Hondo College - Accouting class - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Whittier, California

The workout room is super nice, fun leaves you desiring more, parking seems ample, but I'm not a student, but just a visitor to the campus read more

Rio Hondo College - Basketball gym - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Whittier, California

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I attended Rio Hondo in 2012 because it gave my high school priority registration for classes. After a couple of years I was able to transfer to Berkeley which I am grateful for. (ACADEMICS) The difficulty of your classes will depend HEAVILY on your professor. I had to dropout of a course because the professor was a disorganized mess. I retook the SAME class with a better professor and aced it easily. PLEASE USE RateMyProfessors. It will save your GPA. The students don't really give a damn and the general difficulty is a joke with the exception of STEM. I had classes where professors would recite the ANSWERS to the exam and people STILL FAILED. (CAMPUS) It's modern and small enough to walk through between classes. I just dislike that it's on a hill. I hated walking up to campus but they do provide a shuttle for lazy people like me. (FOOD) The student store has the usual chips and snacks and they have a dining hall with burritos and stuff. I also remember they would bring outside vendors to provide pizza and popcorn. (FINANCIAL AID) My parents make minimum wage so I basically got everything covered on TOP of pocketing a few thousand dollars every semester. It was great. (: (OVERALL) If you are motivated and put in some effort you'll do great here. The students aren't of the highest caliber (no offense) so it will be easy to standout and transfer to a great university. If you want a challenge you can try PCC but good luck competing with a bunch of Asian try-hards. Despite this Rio Hondo got me where I am now and I am forever grateful to this place. read more

I studied and worked at this school. Honestly, u will get to where you desire to go if you input time and effort... especially, the science classes are actually good with highly qualified professors, indeed, few adjuncts might be bad. Anyone with a strong ambition and discipline will do well at this school. read more

I don't recommend Rio Hondo College! I received a D and a 4 credit passing. I was denied my A. A because Rio Hondo has a rule that students must receive a C or better to graduate. I believe is all about making money at Rio Hondo College they don't care about their students. read more

I would not have been able to complete my AS in business administration and criminal justice and transfer to Long Beach State if it were not for the advisors and professors at Rio Hondo College. Rio Hondo is one of the few community colleges that has the Pathway to Law School Program, a state recognized program sponsored by the California Bar Association. As a member of this program I was assigned a program advisor who guided my academic progress and exposed me to the many programs available to me and other students. I have nothing but respect and kind words for the transfer center and career advisement center which made applying to universities so much easier. They walked me through the entire registration process! As a small campus, Rio Hondo does have its cons like limited parking but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. The availability of online courses made completing my AS so much easier. I recommend becoming involved in the many clubs and organizations online such as Alpha Sigma and the Pre-Law Society. Take advantage of the free information seminars about internships and other valuable resources. Apply for scholarships and volunteer opportunities! As the slogan says, "Start at Rio, Go anywhere!" ‍ read more

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Got this letter in the mail , I've never qualified for financial aid of any kind while I attended Rio Hondo College! Easy way for them to make money, these are obvious moves for them to get money. Show me the proof where I signed for the financial aid and I'll gladly pay I want to see the paper work where I submitted an application for financial aid. Terrible college tactics. read more

Rio Hondo College - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Whittier, California

The people in admissions office is so rude. You call to get guidance and ask questions but are hit with rude responses. How are we suppose to feel confident in calling and asking questions when they treat students like this? read more

This place seriously made me waste 2 years of my life completing classes I had already completed in Cerritos just to add money into the community read more

Writing this review as a loved one who had to watch someone suffer through this school. My SO went here for an associates degree. Of the many teachers he had, maybe 3 or 4 were competent/not out of their minds. I could follow with examples, but it would make this an essay. Just look the reviews up on RateMyProfessor.com. They're pretty accurate. Besides the general lack of decent teachers, parking was a nightmare. If you took classes during the day time, you will not find parking unless you show up hours before everyone else. I had to drop him off multiple times, just so he could make it to class on time. Any time he had to deal with administration it took hours or days before he was able to get questions answered. Now he's finally graduated. He went through all the right channels and processes, I watched him stress through his last classes. Now the school is saying he doesn't have a degree. What should have been the final nail in this ridiculous coffin, is now being dragged out further. If you're looking at this place because you live near, I get it. If you can find another community college however, do it. This place isn't worth the stress. read more

I don't know about others but the experience I've had is actually pretty good, my counselor cares- the staff cares. The teachers are so nice !! read more

Six month battle with Rio Hondo continues.... 2nd update Fraudulent college!!!! FRAUDULENT FINACIAL AID! They approve you for financial aid and don't give you any of it. BE Don't go to this college!!!! They will take your money and not care. Financial Aid is not helpful they give you the run around and when you get all your paperwork together they tell you to wait till NEXT SEMESTER for financial aid for the current semester. Don't buy/RENT your books at the book store. The book I rented came with a coffee stain that had the INDEX PAGES on the back stained on top 3 inches in width and 1 inch down the page and highlighted marks all over the chapters. It was a rented book and thought who cares because I'll return it at the end of the year. I was also lucky enough that my teacher did not require the book and I never used it once other than to look at it when I first opened it. Fast forward to the end of the semester I get the rudest employee who refuse to accept my book back based on the "damages." I explained that is how it came and even let her know my teacher did not require the book and I used PowerPoints all year. Meaning it was never used. She went to speak to a manger and said he's refusing to take it as well that I need to pay full price for the book and will not be accepting it to rent out to other students due to the damage. I don't understand how the book was perfectly fine to rent as USED but in the EXACT SAME CONDITION it is not acceptable? Apparently the book is only an acceptable money maker? ******This college is worried about making money not their students. I had other issues with this college as well. I transferred from Fullerton college to attend the nursing program. Im transferring to another college due to the comical and disaster of a school this is. Although I cannot get my time, energy and money back I hope this helps someone else from making the same mistake. Find another college. Update: I was approved for financial aid and financial aid is refusing to give me the money from last semester. FRUED DONT GO HERE! Update part 2: I followed up with financial aid on where my refund for 2018 FALL SEMESTER was because I have yet to receive it. They told me some students got lost in the system and weren't paid their refunds but to check back on March 22nd, 2019 and if I still haven't received it to call back. I've waited SIX MONTHS for my FAFSA refund grant and BOGG waiver refund. This school does NOT help students!!! For profit school only!! read more

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I love it staff is super helpful and friendly and clean campus, teachers care about teaching. Parking is a bit weird but you get used to it.

Although I'm familiar with the notion that Rio Hondo is a better community college than ELAC overall, I'll admit that I am not the most qualified to rate Rio Hondo for it's standard on education, faculty, staff, campus/classrooms, or registration process. I am rating them solely on the two graduations I've attended here. Both times I've attended graduations I've noticed a tremendous issue with parking. I'm not so certain about the parking situation during school semesters, but I've heard several students and former students complain about parking. At least ELAC has one-upped Rio with its new modern parking structure! :P read more

Rio Hondo College - Congrats Class of 2011! - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Whittier, California

Parking sucks. If you have a lowered car good luck! A lot of ricers here! But great automotive classes Teachers are easy to learn from. Classes are easy to find. Not a big school 2 stars? It's really packed! Race racial? Hispanics and Asians. Good looking girls? Look somewhere else! Lol Classes are easy. That's why they come here read more

Rio Hondo College - Me. N in history class - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Whittier, California

Good luck getting your financial aid on time...or at all. Their financial aid office is atrocious and has actively worked against me every semester. I get its a pandemic but I emailed them last month and again this month because of some 2018 tax verification which has resulted in me receiving zero aid so far for the Fall 2020semester with zero answers from their financial office and the semester is already half way over. Every semester their financial aid office has forced weird, arbitrary requirements on my disbursements with stuff like verification of my high school diploma one semester, and them my income for another, and then for another semester a signature I "needed" for my previous diploma verification and then one semester there was a "glitch" which resulted in over a month delay for a disbursement that seemed to only affect me (I was told it was a glitch that didn't effect everyone), and now they want proof I didn't file 2018 taxes, at this point I feel personally targeted because in the two+ years I've attended Rio Hondo College I've ALWAYS had some kind of delay, or "glitch", or roadblock to my financial aid disbursements. Now we're in a pandemic, I don't have ANY income right now, I was relying on those disbursements and now I'm practically drowning trying to stay afloat due to the incompetence of their financial aid office. They really can't take 2 minutes to reply to my email (that I sent on the 22nd of September and again last week) and let me know if I'm gonna starve till December (when the next disbursement is assuming I miss the October one since I have yet to hear ANYTHING.) It just sucks that this is how they treat their hardest working students, I've been dean's list the last 3 semesters with above a 3.5 gpa and its like their financial aid office is trying to disenfranchise me from receiving an education at their school. At this point it may be time for me to consider transferring to a different community college. read more

Parking, finding parking sometimes can be a little bit hard and also when it is the first few days of school. It is better to just get picked up and dropped off there for the first few days. After that within a few weeks everyone seems to drop out of school so you don't really have a problem with that. Teachers here are easy and if you want an easy A, this is for sure the place you should go to!! Register on time and the way to do that is in Admissions building but before that you should get a all day parking which is only $1.00. It's kind of hard to find this 1.00 parking person but just try to find someone at the bottom of the school to tell you how to get to that person. read more

Unfortunately I had to attend Rio Hondo due to it offering a specific program I needed. I went into it with an open mind and that was gone very quickly. I have gone to many colleges and have NEVER been treated the way I have been here. Nobody answers emails or phone calls. Administrators talk down to you and are extremely disrespectful. They are supposed to want to help students and that is far from what they do at this school. I'm sad I had to waste my money here. If you're able to drive a little further to go to a different community college, I highly suggest doing so. It's really unfortunate that they will not own up to their behavior and fix it. Definitely will never return to this school. read more

Worst school even professor seem uninteresting to teach the students especially photography classes. The equipment are outdated. The campus Look outdated and security are lazy as usual with old security car. Jesus christ what did you use all the money. Parking alot is bad. After this fall semester is over. I will never coming back here again. read more

I have mixed reviews about this college because I have never attended it, I started the process of attending this college but I didn't like that the school was up a hill (i didn't have much driving experience back then) and like the other reviewer said back then I was too lazy to walk LOL, but back to the reason for my review.. I first visited this college with a close friend back when she was going to reapply for financial aid, and during this time I asked if I could tour the school and see if the courses that I wanted were offered. I never received the tour I was only shown the financial side and downstairs in the eating/lounge area. The guy who was trying to trick me into attending this school mentioned to me that it was convenient because there would be childcare. Later as we continued talking and he discovered that I wasn't interested in any of the classes that were being offered (general) he kept trying to push me to take other irrelevant classes, for example, art and I mentioned that art has nothing to do with the medical field, he then tells me that the required general eds that I needed to take were in different cities. (back then I was using public transportation and it required that I take 4 different buses) and I had to be there by 8 am. He was very annoyed when I told him that it was impossible for me to take those courses and to arrive on time as he had mentioned. So, I told him that I wanted to make an appointment to make sure that I wasn't taking out any financial aid, he then proceeded to tell me that they didn't get any of my information besides the basics and that because I didn't sign anything I shouldn't be worried. *fast forward almost a year later* I receive a call from tuition options that I owe loans that were taken out from RIO HONDO COLLEGE, I explained to them that I've never attended this school, that I only went in a spoke to a counselor that's it. I never took an entrance exam or anything so there shouldn't have been any financial aid accepted. When I called RH to explain this they told me that they never received any funding because I hadn't filled out a "paper" that was needed.. Long story short, Tuition Options and RH college both don't want to admit who's in the wrong and neither want to fix this issue. I'm sure this isn't a bad college, but I, however, had a bad experience and especially with my first impression of the pushy counselor and now that Tuition Options is trying to charge me tuition for a school that I have NEVER attended. I will not be coming back to this school and I will be finding a lawyer to help me with this issue. read more

Worst parking at any college campus I've been to. It is pathetic that they only have 6 metered parking stalls for a college that has over 20,000 students. They make coming on campus for anything extremely difficult. read more

I honestly never had any bad experience until I had to visit counseling department. When I went there the lady in the front desk told me to wait 45 minutes, so I said ok. An hour later still no call... So I go to the front desk and ask the lady in the front desk: " Do you know if they called me?" to which she figures quickly to lie into my face and says : " yes we called you three times you were not here". And I go: " well I was seating right here all this time and none called me, not a single time!" So her reaction was ugly cause everyone heard that and she was embarrassed because she literally lied into my face. So make sure they don't lie to you and don't forget about you. read more

Edited October 29th, 2012: Let' s say that I lacked a huge sense of motivation and dedication to get through school and having attended SAC, Fullerton, Cypress, and Cerritos, I can definitely say that Rio Hondo's experience was stellar for me. Some tips: If you are registering, get PRIORITY REGISTRATION! Out of all the schools that I have attended, Rio Hondo only offers Priority Registration. Meaning that you can get your classes faster than your newly high school graduates and dunderheads that couldn't read a calendar well. I know that SAC allows for some sort of Matriculation priority, but I already missed that opening on that one. Follow the dates, get your Assessment Tests done, get Orientation done (same room as your Assessment Tests), get a counselor appointment (in the summer, there is no appointment and I waited about 2.5 hours to get some counseling), and have all of your papers ready. LISTEN, YOUR TIME IS NOT IMPORTANT WHEN YOU ARE STARTING UP YOUR LIFE HERE. So don't complain and accept it. COME EARLY (7:30-8 AM) and you have a bigger chance of getting out before NOON. Also, there are less babies [before Noon] in the Student Services building (where counseling and financial aid takes place). The first 2-3 weeks of classes --- get here SUPER early! Think about it. 2,000 students are all traveling at the same speed, give or take 10 miles, from neighboring cities via local streets and freeways. The speed limit upon entering College Drive is 15 MPH with a generous amount of bumps (my car can comfortable go past em 3-5 MPH). For a 9 AM class, shoot to arrive 7-7:30 AM latest. I've done camera progressions of how late I can park at top, Parking Lot C, and that closes up around 7:30 AM the first 3 weeks of school, then closes off around 8 AM the next 3 weeks, then around 8:30 AM for the rest. You can park at the bottom before hitting ANY of the speed bumps if you go around the campus (I gotta remember the name of that street, eh) and park at Lots 3, 4, and 5. They have a nice hiking trail/stairs to go up and there are trams! They have TWO locations but the bus drivers are nice to let you off at a stop sign near the gym, if you want. The first location is in Parking Lot 2. The second location is on the first floor of the Student Services/Administration area. They come every 10 so minutes, depending if their bus is not full yet or they wait if they see a few students coming toward them. Financial Aid was easy for me. I guess I'm lucky that I didn't earn a lot last year.. easier to process? Lastly, there is to be some mis-communication when it comes down to the counselors and the student. Sadly, that is to be expected. However, I firmly believe that Rio Hondo tries its best as a whole to be a prominent figure in the school industry. And second lastly.... I love this campus, I freaking LOVE this campus, I love my teachers, and I LOVE LOVE this campus! read more

I go to RHC and I love this place. For many reasons. My favorite part about Rio is that there is a gym that is open to the public. Of coarse you have to register with the school in order to use the gym, but it's a gread deal! For $20 a semester (the price of 1 unit) you can utilize the gym as much as you want. They have all the machines and all the technology of other gyms . . . like 24 HR, BALLY'S, or LA FITNESS. You save a load of cash if you go this way! Instead of paying your standard $30-$50 a month. Oh wait! Theres more. . . you also get your own locker for the prolonged semester. And unlike other gyms you won't have fat old ladies walking around naked in the locker rooms! read more

They have the WORST and I mean WOST financial aid department EVER! They never answer the phone, they don't return emails they claim they are super busy. Funny thing is I have gone there and they are all sitting around doing nothing. I actually stepped out of the office one time and called in just to see if they would pickup the phone since I KNOW it was slow. Nope phone just rang, two people walked passed the phone and just looked at it. I took 3 online class here because they were the only school i could find that offered the class I needed online. At the time I lived a TWO HOUR drive from this school yet they made me drive down not once, not twice but 4 different time to turn in paperwork that could have been faxed. Each time I went down there to complete my file they asked for something different. Each time I asked ARE YOU SURE THIS IS ALL I NEED. They of course would say yes then when I submitted that form they would say oh wait...one more..I ended up completing the ENTIRE semester and transferring to another school and completing 1/2 the semester there and my financial aid file was STILL NOT COMPLETE at Rio Hondo. I ended up taking classes at Fullerton JC. Guess what, I was able to talk to a human each time I called (even during the first week of school) and my financial aid file was completed in 10 days. They are the LAZIEST group of people I have ever encountered in my life! read more

Yelper friend Will M. just posted a review on Irvine Valley College. It got me thinking of my experience at the Rio Hondo Community College. The campus is situated on the hill top of Workman Mill Road overlooking the cities of Pico Rivera, Whittier... Most of the parking lots are build around the campus therefore one must take a long and up hill walk to the main office and classes. There are trams to take you to the campus but usually a long wait so you might just walk. Besides classes for earning an associate degree or/and to prepare for stepping up to a bachelor degree in the State Colleges and UCs, there are also various job training programs and free classes for continuing education. Before retiring - for just Yelping now, I co-chaired a social advocacy group on family issues. I had this ambition of seeking grants to extend the services. So when I learned that a "Grant Writing" class offered at this college, I immediately signed up. My classmates were a group of people who concerned on different social issues in their own ways. Hmmm maybe I should sign up for Yoga, Tai-Chi, singing lessons or watch a play in Black Box Theatre in the campus... or simply just get involved again. :) read more

The bathrooms here look decent but smell so bad all the time like an unbearable stink the dryer for your hands don't work either I dread going to the bathroom here read more

One of the shittiest college I have ever been too. Couple of things: 1. Online Class is not truly online.. do your assignments online but your tests/mid-terms/finals are proctored exams taken at the college. 2. The parking/hills/stairs are a bitch, the layout of the campus makes it all the worst... at the lowest level you have the most parking available at the highest level parking is limited to a handful of students if you're able to find parking. 3. The school is very strict on paying your tuition fees.. they even have a timer on the website that lets you know how many days and hours you have left before they drop you for non-payment. 4. Teachers do not explain the structure of their classes, syllabus is provided but are very outdated so the material explained in the actual classes arent up to date with the syllabus and contradicts it as well. I will not be coming back here after the end if summer semester... Save your time and effort go to another college read more

All I can say is that the state referee (state ref) at this location is a lot nicer, friendlier, and knowledgeable than those idiots at Goldenwest. if you can find the time, go here, less headache, less time wasted over bullshit, and actually have a conversation instead of sitting down waiting. (though can sit down and wait if you want to). read more

BEST COMMUNITY COLLEGE. Hands down. Staffs in the admissions/ financial aid/ counseling department truly cares and want to help students. Professors are excellent and the campus is literally on top of a hill, so there is no way, you'll gain weight lol (unless you're lazy and choose to park really close to your class, then it's on you, hun). There is no other community college I'd rather be The only thing they could improve on is security. I have gotten my car broken into before and other students recently got their car stolen read more

If you don't give a shit then go here. I was gonna go here for a transferable class but I am glad I didn't. I had some problems with the administration office trying to get paper work to clear for transferring but all of them in that office are lazy morons. BTW, Cal state takes only takes sealed certified documents. That is something that Rio can't get through their thick heads and the reason why is because they don't know how to deal with their students transfering to a better place. This proves that their transfer rate is really low. If you want high school II then go here. read more

I started taking enrichment classes here as a sophomore in high school. I completed my Vocational Nursing program here in 2009 and it was brutal. The coursework was intense and the workload was grueling but it all paid off in the end. I love being a nurse. I also completed some pre-reqs and general education classes and they were great. I gave RHC a 4/5 because as other reviews might have mentioned, the parking is pretty terrible. The school is up on a hill and despite having trams that give rides up to the campus from various areas of the parking lots, it still makes for a hard time getting to class early. If you have injuries to your back, knees or ankles just be aware that there's quite a bit of uphill walking if you're unable to park at the top parking lots. Overall I recommend RHC, especially their nursing program. It's grueling but will definitely make for a worthwhile investment. read more

Awesome Automotive Technology program for all future automotive technicians! The Auto Tech program has great instructors, great garages for in depth lab work, up to date tools and equipment and auto tech facilities are newly remodeled! Ill be coming back for another Summer session in 2012! read more

CONS: Yeah parking sucks but it is only for the first couple of weeks when you have people trying to add classes, after that never had a problem with parking. You may have to park down the hill and yeah it is a bitch walking up but whatever, people that complain are just lazy. Not much to choose from in the way of food on campus. PROS: Instructors are great, college staff have been very helpful when needed. As far as the Online classes are concerned, there are Online classes that you do not need to go to the campus, there are however hybrid classes that are part online and you may need to attend 1 day a week on campus. I personally have never had to go to campus to take a test from an online class and I have taken several, but I would not be surprised if for certain classes they want to have you come to the campus to take the test and I am sure they give you a few day window. So you just have to ask yourself what you want out of a community college, easy parking, great food on campus, if you care about ethnic backgrounds and the attractiveness of the opposite sex...or possibly same sex, maybe Rio Hondo is not the place for you. If you care about receiving a great education from some great instructors, having a friendly college staff to assist you through the process of registration, financial aid and transferring, then I would say attend Rio Hondo. Their Fitness Lab is also state of the art, a nice place to go get in a great cardio workout. read more

Only complaint is the cafeteria food sucks but they do make up for it by allowing food trucks on campus. About to graduate! I got all the classes I needed relatively easily. So far all my teacher have seemed nice and seems genuinely interested in teaching. Or I was just lucky enough to get the good ones! 5 stars! read more

Rio Hondo College - Always seems to be "under construction." - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Whittier, California

I came down here on the weekend for the night screening of ferris bullers day off...it was fun! the atmosphere felt pleasant very welcome! read more

Not that good staff is bad the counselors are the worst they are useless and they are really rude. The school is well maintained but the staff ruined it I quickly transferred out of that school. They really need to work on their staff especially the counselors. read more