UNITED STATES · SACRAMENTO
Los Rios Community College District
public · Founded 1916 · Languages: en
L
In short
Los Rios Community College District in California offers accessible and affordable education with a wide range of programs and guaranteed admission. It provides excellent transfer pathways to four-year universities and a vibrant student life.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1916
- Students
- 75,000
- International students
- 1,200
- Tuition (intl)
- €8–15k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Sacramento, United States
The Los Rios Community College District is a comprehensive public higher education institution serving the greater Sacramento area in California, USA. Comprising four distinct colleges – American River College, Cosumnes River College, Folsom Lake College, and Sacramento City College – the district is dedicated to providing accessible and affordable education to its diverse student population. Los Rios offers a broad spectrum of academic and vocational programs, leading to associate degrees, certificates, and transfer pathways to four-year universities. The district also provides specialized apprenticeship programs in various trades, addressing critical workforce demands. Beyond academics, Los Rios fosters a supportive student environment with various clubs, athletic programs, and on-campus job opportunities. With a strong focus on student success, career readiness, and seamless transfer opportunities, the Los Rios Community College District plays a vital role in the educational landscape of California, aiming to empower all students to achieve their educational and career goals.
Why study here
- Access to a wide array of degree, transfer, and certificate programs to help students achieve their career goals.
- Benefit from a 'Guaranteed Admission' policy, simplifying the application process.
- Opportunities for seamless transfer to a wide variety of four-year universities, including UC and CSU campuses, private, HBCU, and out-of-state colleges.
- Engage in over 120 career education programs offering hands-on training and skill development for high-demand jobs.
- Experience a vibrant campus life with numerous clubs, intercollegiate sports, visual and performing arts, and student job opportunities.
- Option to participate in unique study abroad programs in cities like Paris, London, Barcelona, and Florence.
Student life
At Los Rios colleges, students can do more than earn a certificate or degree; they are encouraged to feel at home in a vibrant, diverse community. Opportunities abound to make connections by joining clubs, engaging in student leadership, participating in intercollegiate sports (with 13 competitive sports teams across the four colleges), or contributing to the visual and performing arts. Students can also gain valuable experience and earn money through on-campus jobs. The colleges celebrate various cultural heritage months and promote health and safety initiatives, ensuring a supportive and engaging environment.
Fees
InternationalNon-resident tuition and enrollment: $466 per unit (Spring 2026), $475 per unit (Summer/Fall 2026). Additional fees include a $50 foreign student application fee, $2 student representation fee, $20 health services fee, and a Universal Transit Pass (UTP) fee of $3 per unit (up to 12 units) or $13 flat rate for Summer.
HomeResident tuition and enrollment: $46 per unit. Additional fees include a $2 student representation fee, $20 health services fee, and a Universal Transit Pass (UTP) fee of $3 per unit (up to 12 units) or $13 flat rate for Summer.
Living—
Community college enrollment fees are set by the California State Legislature and are subject to change. Parking permits are also available at additional costs ($41/semester for automobiles, $26/semester for motorcycles, $2/daily). The Los Rios Promise program covers tuition for eligible first-time, full-time students.
Admissions
Application Fee for Foreign Students$50 (non-refundable)
High School Information (US Graduates)Required for automatic English and Math course placement.
Foreign High School Transcripts/Non-graduatesEligible to use the Guided Self-Placement process for English and Math.
Prerequisite SatisfactionCan be met with college coursework or test results (AP, IB, CLEP).
ESL Guided Self-Placement ProcessOnline process to place into appropriate ESL classes, with immediate results.
University scholarships
Los Rios Scholarships—
First Generation College Student Scholarship$1,000
Conquering Cancer Scholarship$1,000
DFA Scholarship Foundation$2,000
The Foray Hurst Firm United Voices Scholarship$1,000
Leadership Excellence Scholarship$1,000
The Guild Giving National Scholarship$1,500
Inspired Learner Scholarship$1,000
Natural Disaster Relief Scholarship$1,000
Dr. Azfar Malik Scholarship for Medical Students$1,000
Dr. Edward Lubin Scholarship for Medical Students$1,000
Dr. Guy Navarra Scholarship for Aspiring Physicians$1,000
Dr. Joel Durinka Scholarship for Future Doctors$1,000
Dr. Omar Massoud Scholarship for Future Doctors$1,000
Folsom Garden Club ScholarshipVaries
Fueling Futures in Medicine: Apply for the Dr. Felix Shepard Scholarship$1,000
Igor Stolyar Scholarship for Entrepreneurs$1,000
Marc Kalter Scholarship$1,000
Glen Larson Law Injury 2026 Scholarship$1,500
Wounded First Responders Scholarship$1,000
Next Gen Scholarship—
Accreditation
Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
For international students
United StatesStudent visa & funds
International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.
Working while you study
F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.
After you graduate
After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
- PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+
Main intakes
AugustJanuary
Typical living cost
€1,420/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)
Programs
a selectionLos Rios Community College District · United States
Advanced Manufacturing
The manufacturing sector is vital to California's economy, creating numerous jobs and driving regional wealth through product exports. As a global leader in advanced manufacturing, California requires a skilled workforce, and demand for graduates in this field is projected to increase significantly. Career opportunities span areas like welding, machining, industrial maintenance, engineering, and design. The Sacramento region is expected to see a 5% rise in manufacturing jobs through 2023, adding approximately 2,000 new positions.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Los Rios Community College District · United States
Advanced Transportation and Logistics
The transportation sector encompasses a wide range of jobs, from traditional automotive mechanics to roles at the forefront of technological advancement. California is a global leader in clean energy, creating significant job opportunities for graduates interested in the convergence of vehicles, fuels, and emerging technologies. As fuel efficiency standards become more stringent, the demand for skilled workers in this field is expected to rise. In the Sacramento area, jobs in transportation are projected to grow by 10% by 2023, indicating approximately 5,385 new positions.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Los Rios Community College District · United States
Agriculture, Water, and Environmental Technologies
The Agriculture, Water, and Environmental Technologies program focuses on the diverse impacts of modern agriculture, extending beyond traditional farming and ranching to include health, safety, biosecurity, and environmental sustainability. California's leadership in agriculture means a constant demand for innovative and efficient practices in food production for both national and global markets. This program prepares students for various career pathways, including agricultural support (conservation, veterinary services), agricultural production, water and environmental services (irrigation, hazardous materials management), and agricultural wholesale trade (business administration, operations, sales).
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Los Rios Community College District · United States
AS Degree
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Los Rios Community College District · United States
Associate Degree
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Los Rios Community College District · United States
Associate Degrees
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for United States
full fundingDuke University
Karsh International Scholarship Program
Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.
full
Funding
€320k
Max
Jan 2, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)
University of Miami Stamps Scholarship
Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.
full
Funding
€260k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
full fundingQuestBridge
QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship
Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.
full
Funding
€185k
Max
Sep 26, 2026
Deadline
full fundingArgonne National Laboratory
Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory
Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).
full
Funding
€130k
Max
Oct 1, 2026
Deadline
partial fundingBoustany Foundation / Harvard Business School
Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship
Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.
partial
Funding
€100k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingStanford University
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
Oct 8, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at Los Rios Community College District?
+
For Spring 2026, non-resident tuition is $466 per unit, and for Summer/Fall 2026, it is $475 per unit. Additional fees include a $50 foreign student application fee, a $2 student representation fee, a $20 health services fee, and a Universal Transit Pass (UTP) fee.
Does Los Rios Community College District offer guaranteed admission?
+
Yes, Los Rios colleges have a 'Guaranteed Admission' policy for all applicants, which simplifies the application process.
What kind of academic programs are available?
+
Los Rios offers a broad spectrum of academic and vocational programs, leading to associate degrees, certificates, and transfer pathways to four-year universities. There are also specialized apprenticeship programs.
Can I transfer to a four-year university after studying at Los Rios?
+
Absolutely. Los Rios provides seamless transfer opportunities to a wide variety of four-year universities, including UC and CSU campuses, as well as private, HBCU, and out-of-state colleges.
What extracurricular activities are available for students?
+
Students can enjoy a vibrant campus life with over 50 clubs, intercollegiate sports, visual and performing arts, and on-campus job opportunities. There are also unique study abroad programs available.
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