UNITED STATES · RIVERSIDE
Riverside Community College District
public · Founded 1916 · Languages: en
R
In short
Riverside Community College District offers affordable associate degrees and certificates across three campuses, with guaranteed transfer pathways to UC and CSU universities. It provides strong Career Technical Education programs and dedicated support for international students.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1916
- Students
- 42,000
- International students
- 1,200
- Tuition (intl)
- €8–11k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Riverside, United States
The Riverside Community College District (RCCD) is a public two-year college district in Riverside, California, comprising three colleges: Riverside City College (est. 1916), Moreno Valley College, and Norco College. Collectively they serve roughly 42,000 students per year across credit and noncredit programmes. RCCD is part of the California Community Colleges System and offers associate degrees, certificates, and guaranteed transfer pathways to UC and CSU campuses. Career Technical Education programmes span nursing, construction, business, and technology. The district is also home to the Inland Empire APEX Accelerator, which has generated nearly $1 billion in federal contracts for local businesses.
Why study here
- Guaranteed transfer pathways to UC and CSU four-year universities
- Low per-unit cost — among the most affordable higher education options in the US
- Three distinct campuses to choose from across the Inland Empire
- Strong Career Technical Education for direct workforce entry
- Dedicated international student services and support programmes
Student life
Campus life across RCCD's three colleges includes student government, clubs, athletics, and wellness programmes. The 'Paint & Patience' initiative supports online student mental health. International students have dedicated counselling and peer networks. All campuses offer library services, tutoring centres, and food pantries.
Fees
InternationalInternational (non-resident) students pay approx. $285–$310/unit in non-resident fees plus $46/unit enrollment fee. A typical 30-unit year costs roughly $10,000–$11,000 USD (~€8,500–€9,500).
HomeCalifornia residents pay the $46/unit state enrollment fee; many qualify for fee waivers via the California College Promise Grant.
LivingLiving costs in Riverside average $1,200–$1,500/month for a single student, significantly below Los Angeles or San Francisco.
Health fees and student services fees are additional. International students must carry health insurance and show proof of financial support (~$15,000/year).
Admissions
ApplicationApply via CCCApply (free, open admission for US high school graduates)
International studentsOfficial transcripts, financial support documents, health insurance, and F-1 visa required
English placementSelf-reported or assessed at orientation for appropriate course placement
TOEFL iBT61
IELTS6.0
Duolingo English Test100
University scholarships
California College Promise GrantFull enrollment fee waiver for qualifying California residents
RCCD Foundation ScholarshipsVaries — multiple awards from $500 to $2,000 for academic merit and financial need
Accreditation
Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
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)
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 approximate costs for international students at Riverside Community College District?
+
International students pay approximately $285–$310/unit in non-resident fees plus a $46/unit enrollment fee. A typical 30-unit year costs around $10,000–$11,000 USD, not including additional health and student services fees.
What are the living costs for students in Riverside?
+
Living costs in Riverside average $1,200–$1,500 per month for a single student. This is considered significantly more affordable than major coastal California cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco.
What transfer opportunities are available for international students?
+
RCCD offers guaranteed transfer pathways to University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) campuses. This provides a structured route to complete a bachelor's degree after earning an associate degree.
What are the English proficiency requirements for international students?
+
International students can demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL iBT (score of 61), IELTS (score of 6.0), or Duolingo English Test (score of 100).
What vocational training options are offered?
+
Career Technical Education programmes are available in fields such as nursing, construction, business, and technology. These programmes are designed for direct entry into the workforce.
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