- Rio Salado's mission is to astonish its customers, which include students and community partners. This is accomplished through an emphasis upon collaborative partnerships, accelerated formats and distance learning, particularly eLearning.
School Highlights
Rio Salado College serves 15,682 students (13% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the state community college average of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 92%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 15,682 students
- In-state tuition: $2,046
- Out-state tuition: $7,830
- Student:teacher ratio: 19:1
- Minority enrollment: 95%
- Source: Verified school update
School News
- Ask an Advisor - How Do I Plan for University Transfer? - 03/06/2024Your Rio Salado College Advisor will help you select courses that will first, satisfy your degree requirements at Rio and then, apply to your future university degree.
Top Rankings
Rio Salado College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona for:
School Overview
The teacher population of 824 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Rio Salado College
(AZ) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Private, for profit
Total Faculty
824 staff
296 staff
Student Body
The student population of Rio Salado College has declined by 17% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 19:1 has decreased from 23:1 over five years.
The Rio Salado College diversity score of 0.65 is less than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
15,682 students
3,691 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
19:1
14:1
# Full-Time Students
2,074 students
985 students
# Part-Time Students
13,608 students
2,706 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
111 students
343 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,074 students
985 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
32 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
13,608 students
3,064 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
11 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
250 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
4%
3%
% Asian
7%
6%
% Hispanic
n/a
2%
% Black
28%
35%
% White
5%
8%
% Hawaiian
51%
41%
% Two or more races
4%
5%
% Non Resident races
n/a
n/a
% Unknown races
1%
n/a
Diversity Score
0.65
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.0851%
0.3287%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.6651%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$39,300
$32,900
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $2,046 is more than the state average of $1,876. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,830 is more than the state average of $7,132. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,046
$1,876
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,830
$7,132
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
71%
82%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,128
$9,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$3,500
$4,750
Acceptance Rate
n/a
100%
Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Rio Salado College was established in 1978 to provide active, working adults with flexible educational opportunities. Known as ?the college without walls,? Rio Salado courses are delivered through innovative learning formats and for diverse populations with choice, access, convenience, flexibility, and affordability in mind. The formats Rio Salado excels at include customized programs and partnerships, accelerated classes and programs, distance learning and dual enrollment. Rio Salado provides a caring and supportive environment where employees and students form a diverse community. Rio Salado carries the maximum 10-year accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. Our instructors are highly skilled in the teaching arts and are experienced professionals in their subject areas. This combination brings to Rio Salado College students a unique perspective of knowledge and practical application. Rio Salado College is proud to offer its students an exceptionally qualified instructional staff which is interested in and dedicated to the student.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Rio Salado College cost?
Rio Salado College's tuition is approximately $2,046 for In-State students and $7,830 for Out-State students.
What is Rio Salado College's ranking?
Rio Salado College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Arizona for: Least expensive tuition and Largest student body.
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