- 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 18,841 students (11% of students are full-time).
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 60%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 18,841 students
- In-state tuition: $2,046
- Out-state tuition: $7,830
- Minority enrollment: 54%
- 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 268 teachers has declined by 67% over five years.
Rio Salado College
(AZ) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
Four or more years
Four or more years
Institution Control
Public
Private, for profit
Year Founded
14-Mar-78
Colors
Blue, Navy Blue, Sky Blue
Total Faculty
268 staff
64 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Rio Salado College has grown by 8% over five years.
The Rio Salado College diversity score of 0.69 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
18,841 students
1,687 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
70:1
36:1
# Full-Time Students
2,042 students
941 students
# Part-Time Students
16,799 students
2,539 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
18,841 students
1,687 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,042 students
941 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
16,799 students
3,395 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
3%
% Asian
5%
4%
% Hispanic
30%
37%
% Black
8%
6%
% White
46%
40%
% Two or more races
5%
5%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
3%
4%
Diversity Score
0.69
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
10%
39%
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
Tuition Notes
Tuition is 50-75% less than the national average cost of a 4-year college or university.
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
33%
78%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,128
$9,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$3,500
$4,750
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- School Mascot: Splash
- 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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