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 carries a mixed financial picture with one number that should stop you cold: the graduation rate sits under 4%. That single figure shapes everything else. Low debt and a below-average net price mean little if you never finish, and at this school the odds of finishing are slim.
The upside is that the debt load is small. You are not signing up for a mountain of loans here, and the median earnings ten years out land in a range that a modest debt balance can service. If you complete a credential and land a job in the Phoenix metro market, the math works in your favor because you owe so little.
The risk is completion, plain and simple. Rio Salado is a large online-heavy community college, and the kind of self-paced structure that makes it flexible is the same structure that leaves most students short of a degree. If you need deadlines, in-person accountability, or hand-holding, this is a financial trap: you can spend money and time and walk away with nothing to show a hiring manager.
On price by income, the pattern is unusual. If your family earns under $48k, you pay the least here, and the cost climbs sharply once household income passes $75k. So this school is a stronger value for lower-income families than for middle- and upper-income ones, who actually pay more in dollar terms.
Rio Salado fits you if you are disciplined, self-directed, and want to knock out credits cheaply, transfer, or upskill fast while working. Look elsewhere if you need structure to finish or want a residential experience. The low cost only pays off if you are the type who actually crosses the finish line.
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.