In 1978, the Maricopa County Community College District challenged the limits of tradition by creating Rio Salado College to serve non-traditional students. The college has maintained a tradition of excellence in distance learning for over 40 years as one of 10 independently accredited colleges comprising the Maricopa County Community College District. Serving more than a quarter million students online for over 20 years, we are dedicated to providing innovative educational opportunities through college bridge pathways, community-based learning, corporate and government partnerships, and early college initiatives.
At Rio Salado College, we have transfer partnerships with four-year degree institutions across the U.S., making the process of transferring your Rio credits over to one of our partner colleges as smooth as possible.
Rio Salado College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). With headquarters in Tempe, Arizona, Rio Salado College is recognized nationally as an innovative leader in online learning by making education accessible, flexible and affordable to meet the needs of today’s students. We offer affordable tuition rates and flexible online classes that start most Mondays throughout the year. We have over 600 online classes and over 135 degree and certificate programs in a wide variety of subjects. At Rio Salado, you can get an education that’s tailored to fit your life.
Leadership and Divisions
Learn more about Rio Salado College's departments and the administrators who lead them
College Made Convenient
See how Rio Salado College is meeting the needs of today’s students.
Teaching and Learning
We are committed to academic standards that promote continuous improvement in student learning
Research and Planning
An overview of Rio Salado College, our students, programs, successes and initiatives
Certificate and Degree Programs
