Founded in 1916, Riverside City College is one of California's older community colleges, with its campus on Magnolia Avenue at the edge of downtown Riverside. International students usually spend two years here on general education or an associate degree, then transfer to a University of California or Cal State campus, often UC Riverside or Cal State San Bernardino. Tuition is a fraction of what universities charge. It's one of three colleges in the Riverside Community College District.
Riverside, California, United States
Official website: rcc.edu
Public community college
1916
Riverside Community College District
ACCJC
$8,000 – $10,000
International students, full-time study of 12 units
$15,000 – $18,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on rcc.edu before you apply.
AS-T Business Administration
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
AS Computer Science
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
AA-T Psychology
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
AS-T Biology
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Transfer routes to UC Riverside and the Cal State system.
Low tuition compared with four-year universities.
A campus close to downtown Riverside and the Mission Inn.
Most international students transfer to a four-year university to finish a bachelor's.
Transfer students often finish at UC Riverside, Cal State San Bernardino or Cal Poly Pomona.
Associate degree graduates can apply for OPT.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
The campus is a walk from downtown Riverside, where the Mission Inn, a sprawling historic hotel, anchors the main streets. Mount Rubidoux offers a short hike with views over the city.
Riverside is hot and dry in summer, with lower rent than Los Angeles or Orange County. Metrolink trains run to Los Angeles, and the beaches are about an hour's drive.
Form I-20 issued by Riverside City College
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Riverside City College takes international applications for fall and spring, with deadlines a few months before each term. Apply early so there is time for the I-20 and visa interview.
Students can start in the fall, in August, or in spring, in January.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, Riverside City College issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Business administration, computer science, psychology and biology are common transfer paths. Entry needs completed secondary school and English proficiency, such as TOEFL 61 or IELTS 5.5.
Scholarships for international community college students are limited. The college foundation offers some awards after your first term, but plan to cover full costs.
