Public Institution

Rio Salado College — Tempe, Arizona

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Annual Tuition $2,358

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 100%

Open Admission

Enrollment 4,879

Active Students

Avg. Salary $41,015

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Tempe, Arizona

Institution type Public

Accreditation Higher Learning Commission

Founded 8/24/1978

Academic Mission & Environment

"Rio Salado College stands as a pillar of higher education in Tempe, providing a robust academic foundation for 4,879 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Rio Salado College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Rio Salado College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

32.7%

Enrollment Share

Security & Law Enforcement

26.3%

Enrollment Share

Humanities

10.2%

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts

8.3%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions

6.3%

Enrollment Share

Construction Trades

3.7%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Security & Law Enforcement College

The Security & Law Enforcement program provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Rio Salado College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Construction Trades College

The Construction Trades program at Rio Salado College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Rio Salado College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 100%

Difficulty Low

Rio Salado College maintains an acceptance rate of 100%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are not reported.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 35.8%

Women Enrollment 64.2%

Open Pathway Confirmed

Rio Salado College follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Review admissions details, program options, and the official next steps for Rio Salado College.

Official Admission Portal

How much does Rio Salado College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $2,358

Out-of-State Tuition $8,958

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 7.3%

Median Student Debt $9,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $2,358, graduates see a median starting salary of $41,015, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Arizona.

What salary can Rio Salado College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $41,015

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 3.9%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $8,764

Median Salary (6yr) $42,314

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Rio Salado College in Tempe?

4,879 Students

Gender Comparison

35.8% Men

64.2% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

1.8%

Pacific Islander

0.4%

Asian

3.3%

Black

13.7%

White

39.6%

Unknown

2.6%

Hispanic

33.7%

Two or More Races

4.7%

International

0.4%

Campus Demographics

🎂

Avg. Age at Entry 30

🎓

First-Generation 47.3%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 83.9%

🎖️

Veterans 1%

💍

Married Students 25.5%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 42.6%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$62,743
Average Family Income	$27,962
Median Family Income	$21,808

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

29.3%

70.7%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Tempe Campus Environment

Located at 2323 W 14th St, Rio Salado College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Arizona. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Rio Salado College compare?

Direct Comparison Rio Salado College vs Arizona State University Campus Immersion →

Direct Comparison Rio Salado College vs Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences →

Direct Comparison Rio Salado College vs University of Advancing Technology →

Direct Comparison Rio Salado College vs Brookline College-Tempe →

Common Questions about Rio Salado College

Is Rio Salado College a good college in Tempe, Arizona?

Rio Salado College is a recognized institution in Tempe with an enrollment of 4,879 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in Arizona.

Is Rio Salado College worth attending in 2026?

That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $41,015 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

How much does Rio Salado College cost for Arizona residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Rio Salado College is approximately $2,358. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $8,958. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Rio Salado College after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Rio Salado College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 83.9% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Rio Salado College good for Business & Marketing and Security & Law Enforcement programs?

Rio Salado College reports program activity in Business & Marketing and Security & Law Enforcement. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.

What career can I get after attending Rio Salado College?

Graduates of Rio Salado College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $41,015, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Rio Salado College?

Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on Rio Salado College's official admissions website.

Does Rio Salado College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on Rio Salado College's official admissions portal before applying.

What salary can Rio Salado College graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Rio Salado College earn a median salary of $41,015 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Rio Salado College a good investment compared to other AZ colleges?

Compare Rio Salado College's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in Arizona to judge value for your goals.

Where is Rio Salado College located and what is the campus like?

Rio Salado College is located at 2323 W 14th St in Tempe, AZ. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 4,879 learners.

Who typically attends Rio Salado College in Tempe, AZ?

The student body at Rio Salado College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 47.3% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: Arizona

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Rio Salado College with other leading institutions in Arizona across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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