- 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 17,362 students (15% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 21:1 is higher than the state community college average of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 55%.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Enrollment: 17,362 students
- In-state tuition: $2,046
- Out-state tuition: $7,830
- Student:teacher ratio: 21:1
- Minority enrollment: 57%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Rio Salado College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
Diversity
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 824 teachers has grown by 204% 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
Public
Total Faculty
824 staff
296 staff
Student Body
The student population of Rio Salado College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 21:1 has decreased from 23:1 over five years.
The Rio Salado College diversity score of 0.69 is more than the state average of 0.67. The school's diversity has grown by 6% over five years.
Total Enrollment
17,362 students
4,392 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
21:1
14:1
# Full-Time Students
2,634 students
1,301 students
# Part-Time Students
14,728 students
3,091 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
111 students
343 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,634 students
1,301 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
7 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
14,728 students
3,652 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
11 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
250 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
2%
3%
% Asian
2%
3%
% Hispanic
33%
34%
% Black
9%
6%
% White
43%
45%
% Two or more races
4%
4%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
7%
4%
Diversity Score
0.69
0.67
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
4%
20%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
3.28%
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 $3,106. 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 $7,957. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,046
$3,106
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,830
$7,957
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
86%
79%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,128
$9,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$3,500
$4,750
Acceptance Rate
n/a
100%
Source: 2021 (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, Diversity in US community colleges and Largest student body.
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