Study abroad at Riverside City College

Learn more about studying at Riverside City College as an international student.

Riverside City College campus view
Riverside City College logo

Key facts

  • Type
    Public
  • International students
    150
  • Nationalities
    50
  • Total programs
    83
  • University ranking
    Not ranked

Study abroad at Riverside City College

Riverside City College (RCC) is an excellent public community college situated in Riverside, a city in the US state of California. It's been educating bright minds from around the world since 1916 - it’s a great place to study.

RCC offers more than 100 accredited and high-quality programs with transfer options to top universities including UC Berkeley and UCLA. There’s everything from art and biology to history and journalism - there’s so much choice.

There are plenty of on-campus facilities available to enjoy at RCC. Overseas students will have open access to a fantastic library, spacious study areas, popular dining options, a great cultural engagement center, and thriving social spaces.

Illustration depicting a student navigating the journey of higher education. Elements include a diploma, graduation cap, magnifying glass with a puzzle piece, books, a "Hi!" speech bubble, and a university building in the background.

Why study at Riverside City College

  • Great location

    Located in Southern California near Los Angeles, just a 1-hour drive to the beach, mountains, and theme parks

  • Easy admission

    No SAT/ACT and low TOEFL/IETLS score requirement

  • Safe community

    Riverside has a 24/7 on-campus police service and support and a low campus crime rate

  • Transfer opportunities

    Transfer 2+2 to top US Universities including UCLA, UCB, Columbia, USC, and more

Location

Riverside City College

4800 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92506, United States

Riverside is a sunny city with lots to experience. International students at RCC have easy access to breathtaking beaches, fashionable boutiques, popular restaurants, exciting social venues, and picturesque scenery.

Illustration of famous landmarks like a tower, a classical building, and a modern skyscraper; a location marker, interconnected on a map-like layout with trees and clouds.

Fees and funding

Funding

CGCAA-RCC International Student Scholarship

  • Amount

    Tuition fee reduction estimated at US$2,000

  • Requirements

    Applicant must be a new or continuing international student who will study full-time at one of the RCCD colleges (Riverside City College, Norco College, or Moreno Valley College) on an F-1 Student Visa in the fall semester. Transfer students can also apply. New international students who apply for the scholarship must have a completed RCCD international student application, submitted all required application documents, and received an RCCD I-20

RCCD Foundation Scholarships

  • Amount

    Up to US$2,000 off tuition fees

  • Requirements

    Only current RCC students can apply. The scholarship committee will select the most qualified applicants based on merit

Fee information

  • Undergraduate tuition

    US$11,687 per year

Illustration of education and financial elements including a graduation cap, trophy, diploma, books, a piggy bank, stacks of cash notes, and coins, representing fees and funding.

What is the cost of living near Riverside City College?

Local figures aren't available yet — values reflect USA-wide averages.

Category Cost  (in United States Dollar)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre$1,652Range: $1,046 to $4,269
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre$1,349Range: $891 to $2,857
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)$214Range: $130 to $400
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)$73Range: $50 to $110
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)$61Range: $30 to $110
Monthly public transport pass$65Range: $35 to $138
Monthly grocery basket$350Range: $250 to $500
Coffee shop drink$5Range: $3 to $9
Cinema or cultural event ticket$15Range: $11 to $23
Gym membership$45Range: $20 to $135

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).

Visa requirements for Riverside City College

Many international students will require a visa to study in the US, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.

Life at Riverside City College

RCC’s fabulous campus is home to a multicultural student population. There are currently international students from over 40 countries enrolled at the College. The environment is beautifully cosmopolitan and lively.

There are plenty of student-friendly housing options available in Riverside City. You can find everything from cozy rooms to spacious apartments conveniently located near campus. RCC can provide housing advice and resources to help you.

Students can make lifelong friends and connections outside the classroom thanks to the vast number of clubs, organizations, and societies at RCC. There’s everything from sports teams to photography workshops - there’s an extracurricular activity for every passion.

Illustration showing aspects of student life, including a student with a book and pencil, various books, a laptop, fast food, and iconic educational symbols like a graduation cap and a university building.

Facilities

  • All Weather Sports Pitches
    • 10 Tennis Courts
  • Fitness Centre
    • 2 Swimming Pool
    • 1 Fitness Classes
  • Tutoring Support
    • Student Tutoring & Support
    • Academic Tutoring & Support
    • Peer & Buddy Program
  • Library
    • Group Study Rooms
    • Quiet Areas
    • Computer labs
    • Individual Study Rooms
  • Clubs & Organisations
    • 40 Clubs & Organizations
  • IT Support
    • Loan Laptops
    • Campus Wireless Connectivity
  • Healthcare & Medical
    • Counselling & Mental Health Services
  • Sports Facilities
    • 1 Sport facilities
    • 1 Natural Turf American Football Pitches
  • Food & Restaurants
    • 1 Cafe’s

Student reviews for Riverside City College

Overall rating

4.2
3 reviews
  • Overall experience
    3.3
  • Academic
    4.7
  • University social
    4.3
  • Accommodation
    4.3
  • University facilities
    4.3
Kevin Arthur
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Studied Social Studies at Riverside City College
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    4
  • Accommodation
    4
  • University facilities
    5
Tell us about Riverside City College

I enjoy how the facilities at RCC are always there to help you with whatever issues you are having, and no matter how many times you email or ask them the same questions over and over, they are always pleased to answer them. They provide a wide variety of different types of accommodation that will help you with your studies and classes at International Student and DRC (Disability Resource Center) in RCC. RCC is very important in communication between facilities, professors, and students that they can help you and figure out how you work toward your goal in college and classes you are welcome to attend. If you live near Riverside, public transportation is dependable and fast, but having your own car is preferable. However, RCC will assist you with the RTA bus pass. if your social life is really active you like to join the College club and you can make new friends in RCC and everyone are really open to making new friends and really welcoming.

Ma Ruth Seva
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Studied Nursing at Riverside City College
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    5
Tell us about Riverside City College

I prefer RCC to the colleges I have been in the United States thus far due to the substantial support provided to the International Student population in the school. There is enough staff to help and advise; the other community colleges I have been to have only had 1 DSO available, and this impacts their ability to help and guide during difficult circumstances and situations. The office is comfortable; It has free snacks, drinks, and two computers for use for any student. The campus library also offers many computers, rentals (games, comics, laptops), help with research, and even microwaves for the students who want to eat and study. There are also career closets to help the students who need professional clothing, and a pantry where students can have free snacks.Transportation is free for us with our student card, and we have a bus stop right in the front of the school. Transportation in California is not well-developed, however. There is also a club that international students are encouraged to join, and these people were my first friends in the United States. Moreover, because we are in a city of many events, there were many places and things my newfound friends and I could go to. I have also met many wonderful locals who have been helpful and kind.

A U
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Studied Business at Riverside City College
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    4
  • University social
    4
  • Accommodation
    4
  • University facilities
    3
Tell us about Riverside City College

eborah Meier said, 'Good schools, like good society and good families, celebrate and cherish diversity.' this college is more than just a school it is also a place where you get a chance to meet different people from different background and sometimes those people become your second family. they also enable students from diverse backgrounds to bring their personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences into the classroom. they also offer free bus transportation which in this case helps a lot.