- 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 33,974 students (18% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 41:1 is higher than the state community college average of 22:1.
Minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 61%.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Enrollment: 33,974 students
- In-state tuition: $2,046
- Out-state tuition: $7,830
- Student-teacher ratio: 41:1
- Minority enrollment: 53%
- Source: Verified school update
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
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Nontraditional
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Mixed Baccalaureate/Associate's
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
824 staff
202 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Rio Salado College has grown by 77% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 41:1 has increased from 21:1 over five years.
The Rio Salado College diversity score of 0.68 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has grown by 5% over five years.
Total Enrollment
33,974 students
5,392 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
41:1
22:1
# Full-Time Students
6,042 students
1,208 students
# Part-Time Students
27,932 students
4,184 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
339 students
339 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
6,042 students
1,238 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
66 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
27,932 students
5,400 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
11 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
250 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
2%
3%
% Asian
5%
4%
% Hispanic
30%
36%
% Black
7%
7%
% White
47%
39%
% Hawaiian
n/a
2%
% Two or more races
5%
4%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
3%
4%
Diversity Score
0.68
0.71
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
10%
49%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
60%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$39,300
$32,900
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $2,046 is less than the state average of $3,445. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,830 is less than the state average of $8,201. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,046
$3,445
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,830
$8,201
Tuition Notes
Tuition is 50-75% less than the national average cost of a 4-year college or university.
% 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: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
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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