Rio Salado College: $2,358 Tuition

$2,358Tuition

4,879Students

4%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$41,015Earnings

Public4-yearData: 2023-24

About Rio Salado College

Rio Salado College pioneered online education in Arizona, becoming a leader in distance learning for working adults and career changers. The college enrolls 4,879 students in Tempe and has built its reputation around flexible scheduling and full online programs. Nearly 65% of students are women, reflecting the school's appeal to non-traditional learners balancing education with family and work responsibilities.

Students pay an average net price of $8,764, making this one of Arizona's most affordable higher education options. In-state tuition costs just $2,358 annually. Graduates earn a median of $41,015 ten years after enrollment, while carrying typical debt loads of $9,500. The monthly loan payment averages only $101, making the financial burden manageable for most graduates. However, only 7.3% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many pay out of pocket for their education.

The graduation picture tells a complex story about this institution's mission. The 6-year graduation rate stands at 3.9%, reflecting the challenges many working adult students face in completing degrees. However, 87.6% of students find employment, indicating that many achieve their career goals even without completing formal degrees. The 31:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the online delivery model that has made Rio Salado a pioneer in accessible higher education.

Academics & Faculty

Rio Salado College pioneered online education in Arizona, becoming one of the nation's largest distance learning providers. The community college serves working adults and non-traditional students who need flexible scheduling around jobs and family commitments. With a 31:1 student-faculty ratio, students work largely independently through self-paced courses. The 3.90% graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working full-time, taking years to complete certificates or associate degrees. Popular programs include nursing, business, and general education courses that transfer to four-year universities. The college's strength lies in accessibility rather than traditional campus experience. Students value the ability to earn credentials while maintaining their careers.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 31:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 3.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 3.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,015

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$52,941
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Certificate	$41,884
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.	Associate	$39,369
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$37,568
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services.	Certificate	$34,348
Data Processing.	Certificate	$33,938
Legal Support Services.	Associate	$30,047

View all 118 programs →

Campus Life

Rio Salado operates as Arizona's largest community college with 4,879 students, but you won't find a traditional campus experience here. The college pioneered online education in the Southwest, delivering most courses through digital platforms that serve working adults across the region. About 91% of students come from Arizona, many juggling jobs while pursuing degrees or certificates.

The Tempe administrative offices sit in the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area, where year-round sunshine means you'll need sunscreen more often than textbooks. Students typically interact through discussion boards and virtual classrooms rather than quad gatherings. With 64% of students being women and a diverse population that's 34% Hispanic and 14% Black, the online community reflects Arizona's changing demographics. Weekend plans usually involve work shifts or family time since most students are non-traditional learners. The 31:1 student-faculty ratio means personalized attention happens through email and video calls rather than office hours. Monthly loan payments average just $101, making education accessible for students earning around $41,000 after graduation.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1978

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	0	0	0	2

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 46°–67°F
July Avg: 84°–106°F
Annual Precipitation: 7.2"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Rio Salado draws working adults across Arizona who need flexible scheduling around their careers. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the 4,879 students, reflecting the college's appeal to adults returning to school or changing careers. The student body is diverse, with Hispanic and Black students comprising nearly half the enrollment. Most students live within Arizona's borders, giving Rio Salado a strong regional reputation as the go-to option for distance learning. The low Pell Grant rate of 7.3% suggests many students are working professionals rather than traditional college-age students.

Men: 35.8%
Women: 64.2%
White: 39.6%
Black: 13.7%
Hispanic: 33.7%
Asian: 3.3%
In-State Students: 91.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 7.3%

Location

Rio Salado College sits in Tempe, Arizona, part of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. The campus operates within one of the fastest-growing regions in the Southwest, where over 4.8 million people live across the Valley of the Sun. Tempe borders Arizona State University's main campus and benefits from the area's tech corridor and aerospace industry presence. The Sonoran Desert surroundings offer year-round sunshine with average temperatures reaching 106°F in summer months. This urban setting provides access to major employers like Intel, Honeywell, and numerous healthcare systems that serve the college's 91% in-state student population. Students considering colleges in Arizona may also compare Rio Salado College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Tempe, Arizona 85281

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $41,015
Median Earnings (5 years): $52,252
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $35,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 22.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $101/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Rio Salado College?

Rio Salado College operates as an open-enrollment community college, meaning they accept all students who meet basic requirements. The college serves 4,879 students and focuses on providing accessible education to working adults and non-traditional learners. This open-door policy aligns with their mission as a community college serving the greater Phoenix area.

How much does Rio Salado College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $8,764 annually at Rio Salado College. In-state tuition runs just $2,358 while out-of-state students pay $8,958. The college keeps costs low as a community college, with graduates carrying a median debt load of only $9,500.

What are the class sizes like at Rio Salado College?

Rio Salado College has a student-faculty ratio of 31:1, which is higher than traditional colleges but reflects their online learning model. The college pioneered distance education and serves many students through flexible online programs. This approach allows working adults to complete coursework on their own schedules.

What are the graduation rates at Rio Salado College?

Rio Salado College has a 6-year graduation rate of 3.90%, which reflects the unique nature of their student body. Many students attend part-time while working full-time jobs or transfer to four-year institutions before completing degrees. The college serves as a stepping stone for students seeking flexible educational options rather than traditional degree completion.

Where do Rio Salado College students come from?

About 91% of Rio Salado College students are Arizona residents, with the student body being 64% women and 36% men. The college serves a diverse population with 40% White, 34% Hispanic, and 14% Black students. This diversity reflects the demographics of the Phoenix metropolitan area where the college is based.

Is Rio Salado College known for online learning?

Rio Salado College is nationally recognized as a pioneer in online and distance education since its founding in 1978. The college serves working adults and non-traditional students through flexible virtual programs. With an 87.6% employment rate among graduates, the college successfully prepares students for careers while accommodating their work schedules.