Rio Salado College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Rio Salado College
Known for flexibility, Rio Salado College in Tempe pairs an online-first model with steady academic support. Students take transfer-ready courses across liberal arts and sciences, business and technology, and education. Advising, tutoring, library tools, testing centers, tech help, and support for veterans and students with disabilities keep learning on track.
The culture is welcoming and adult-friendly; classmates often balance work, family, and service. Student life leans into virtual clubs and service projects, while Tempe offers lake paths and a lively arts scene. Career prep shows up in coaching, employer connections, and clear transfer paths. And distinguishing features include community learning sites around the Valley and options to recognize prior experience.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Rio Salado College offers 76 degree programs across 25 major academic fields, graduating approximately 4,944 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Security & Safety (7 programs, 1,793 graduates), Business (16 programs, 1,578 graduates), Liberal Arts (2 programs, 340 graduates), Arts (1 programs, 321 graduates) and Health (5 programs, 278 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Security & Safety (7 programs, 1,793 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNC Machinist Technology | 1,286 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
43.0102 |
| Criminal Justice and Police Science | 453 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
43.0107 |
| Criminal Justice and Safety Studies | 23 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
43.0104 |
| Crisis and Emergency Management | 19 |
|
Other Award
|
43.0302 |
| Criminal Justice, Other | 10 |
|
Residency
|
43.0199 |
| Juvenile Corrections | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
43.0110 |
| Protective Services | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
43.9999 |
Business (16 programs, 1,578 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Service Support and Call Center Operations | 1,279 |
|
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
52.0411 |
| Small Business Management | 54 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0703 |
| Accounting | 47 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0301 |
| Business Administration | 46 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0101 |
| Entrepreneurship Studies | 30 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0701 |
| Banking and Financial Services | 30 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0803 |
| Business Administration and Management | 23 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0201 |
| Organizational Leadership | 18 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0213 |
| Organizational Behavior | 16 |
|
Associate's
|
52.1003 |
| Human Resources Management | 11 |
|
Other Award
|
52.1001 |
| Management Science | 8 |
|
Other Award
|
52.1301 |
| Insurance Studies | 7 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.1701 |
| Office Management and Supervision | 3 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0204 |
| Nonprofit and Organizational Management | 3 |
|
Associate's
|
52.0206 |
| Retail Management | 2 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0212 |
| Real Estate | 1 |
|
Residency
|
52.1501 |
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 340 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 238 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0101 |
| General Studies | 102 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0102 |
Arts (1 programs, 321 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art Studies | 321 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
50.0701 |
Health (5 programs, 278 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Substance Abuse Counseling | 165 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.1501 |
| Athletic Training | 60 |
|
Other Award
|
51.0913 |
| Emergency Medical Technology | 37 |
|
Other Award
|
51.0904 |
| Dental Hygiene | 15 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0602 |
| Mental Health Counseling | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
51.1508 |
Construction (2 programs, 145 graduates)
Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 80 |
|
Other Award
|
46.0302 |
| Plumbing Technology | 65 |
|
Other Award
|
46.0503 |
Mechanics (2 programs, 104 graduates)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Mechanics Technology | 73 |
|
Other Award
|
47.0604 |
| Computer Installation and Repair Technology | 31 |
|
Residency
|
47.0104 |
Computer & IT (10 programs, 95 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Support Specialist | 28 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
11.1006 |
| Computer Programming Applications | 15 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
11.0202 |
| Information Technology | 14 |
|
Associate's
|
11.0103 |
| Computer Systems Analysis | 11 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
11.0501 |
| Information Systems Security and Auditing | 10 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
11.1003 |
| Web and Digital Multimedia Design | 5 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
11.0801 |
| Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications | 4 |
|
Other Award
|
11.0601 |
| Computer Science | 4 |
|
Associate's
|
11.0701 |
| Computer Programming | 2 |
|
Other Award
|
11.0201 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | 2 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11.0901 |
Education (3 programs, 70 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education | 62 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
13.1210 |
| Elementary Education | 7 |
|
Associate's
|
13.1202 |
| Education, General | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
13.9999 |
Interdisciplinary (3 programs, 44 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences | 22 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
30.1801 |
| Multi- and Interdisciplinary Studies | 18 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
30.9999 |
| Sustainability Studies | 4 |
|
Associate's
|
30.3301 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Rio Salado College
How much does it cost to attend Rio Salado College?
The annual tuition at Rio Salado College is $2,358 for in-state students and $8,958 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $3,462 for in-state students and $10,062 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $9,664 (off-campus) and books and supplies $1,104.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Rio Salado College offer?
Rio Salado College offers 76 academic programs across 25 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Residency, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety (7 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (16 programs)
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (2 programs)
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (1 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (5 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Rio Salado College?
Rio Salado College provides financial aid to 1% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $4,582 and average loans of $4,460.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,074
- Institutional grants: $1,217
- Federal loans: $4,460
The university supports 55 students with grants and 30 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Rio Salado College graduates?
Rio Salado College graduates earn a median salary of $42,314 after 6 years and $41,015 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $19,411 (25th percentile) to $63,730 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $75,000 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
Related Universities
Found something useful? Help others discover it too! Share with friends, on social media, or save for later - every share helps someone find the information they need.