At $8,764/yr net price, Rio Salado College graduates earn $41,015/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,015/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,764 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $35,056 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,015/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,015/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 3.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,976/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,272/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,612/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,740/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,507/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $52,941 | $8,125 |
| 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 | $12,250 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Certificate | $34,348 | |
| Data Processing. | Certificate | $33,938 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $30,047 |
The Risk Factor
3.9% of students at Rio Salado College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Rio Salado College offers one of the most affordable pathways to higher education in Arizona, but the financial returns are disappointing across most programs. With a median debt of just $9,500 and annual costs under $9,000, you'll graduate with minimal financial burden, but the 10-year median earnings of $41,015 place most graduates in lower-middle-class income brackets.
The dental support program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $52,941 in median earnings with only $8,125 in debt. This creates a strong debt-to-income ratio that justifies the investment. Criminal justice and IT management programs deliver moderate returns in the low $40,000s and upper $30,000s respectively, making them financially viable but not particularly lucrative.
The 3.9% graduation rate represents a massive financial risk. If you don't finish, you've wasted both time and money with no credential to show for it. This extremely low completion rate suggests the school's online-heavy format and open enrollment don't translate to student success for most attendees.
Rio Salado works financially if you're targeting the dental program specifically or need maximum affordability while earning any degree. The school makes sense for working adults who need flexible scheduling and can't afford traditional college costs. However, if you're seeking higher earning potential or need the structure that leads to graduation, you should consider community colleges with better completion rates or four-year universities despite higher costs.
With only 7.3% of students receiving financial aid, most pay the low sticker price out of pocket, which keeps debt minimal but also means limited scholarship opportunities exist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rio Salado College worth the money?
Rio Salado College offers a low net price at $8,764 per year, but graduates earn only $41,015 ten years later, which is below average for college graduates. The extremely low graduation rate of 3.9% means most students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Rio Salado College?
Dental Support Services pays the highest at $52,941 annually, followed by Criminal Justice at $41,884. Most other programs, including Liberal Arts and Business Operations, result in below-average earnings in the $30,000-40,000 range.
How much debt do Rio Salado College students graduate with?
The median debt is relatively low at $9,500, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. However, with the 3.9% graduation rate, most students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Why is Rio Salado College's graduation rate so low?
The 3.9% graduation rate reflects that Rio Salado primarily serves part-time and adult learners who may transfer credits elsewhere or complete certificates rather than full degrees. This makes traditional graduation metrics less meaningful for measuring student success.