Tuition & Payments

In spring 2023, the Arizona State Legislature introduced Senate Bill 1717. It supports high school students in the Free and Reduced Lunch program or those with equivalent household income levels. However, there are annual tuition assistance limits based on grade levels:

• 9th and 10th Grades:
  • $50/credit hour, maxing out at $300 for the academic year (equivalent to 6 credits).
• 11th and 12th Grades:
  • $50/credit hour, up to a limit of $600 for the academic year (equivalent to 12 credits).

Note: Tuition assistance is determined individually, and attending multiple colleges won't affect the total amount awarded.

You will need your high school transcripts with the unweighted GPA listed, and either a letter confirming your participation in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program or your 2022 Tax Return Transcript with the student's name listed.

Yes, students may also qualify for the Maricopa Grant Program. It's recommended for Rio Salado College students to apply for both the Maricopa Grant and the AZDETAP.
 

If you're applying for tuition assistance for the first time this year, use the Combined Tuition Assistance & AZDETAP Application. If you've already applied for the Rio Salado Tuition Assistance Grant this academic year, use the AZDETAP Application.
 

The priority deadline to submit your completed Tuition Assistance application is May 31, 2023. Please note that all applications are reviewed on a first come, first serve basis and there is no guarantee of funding. We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible, and register for your dual enrollment classes during your first week of high school, but no later than August 18, 2023.

Maricopa Community Colleges have introduced expanded tuition assistance options for dual enrollment students, offering additional avenues for financial support. See full program details here.

You should receive a decision by email within 3-5 business days. If you are approved for Tuition Assistance, you must be enrolled in Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 classes no later than August 18, 2023. Communication is being sent to your Maricopa email address, be sure to check this email inbox for information regarding your tuition assistance.

Yes, if you have submitted your Tuition Assistance application and you have any outstanding admissions documents. There is no restriction on the number of times you may submit; however, you should only resubmit once your application has been rejected.

Financial documents can be uploaded directly in the application. You may submit a copy of your parent/guardian’s 2022 federal tax form 1040 (no tax extensions considered)

OR

Award letter of household member’s participation in any of the following benefits programs: (Free or Reduced Lunch, Supplemental Social Security, Food Stamps, TANF, WIC or AHCCCS). These letters must be dated within 12 months of submitting your Tuition Assistance application.

Please contact your school or school district office to determine how you may apply for the Free and Reduced Lunch program or if you need a copy of your award letter. You may upload a copy of your award letter in your Tuition Assistance application.

Tempe Union High School District - Students and parents can complete the Free and Reduced Lunch application here.

Paradise Valley Unified School District - Students can obtain a copy of their Free and Reduced Lunch letter  from the previous year by calling 602-449-2274. New applications for the 2023-24 school year will be accepted in July 2023 through their website.

Deer Valley Unified School District - Students may request a copy of their Free and Reduced Lunch letter by contacting the district office at 623.445.5000.

The MARICOPA Grant Program is offered to eligible Arizona high school students attending Maricopa Community College in Dual Enrollment Programs.

Student Recipient must demonstrate "Financial need" by completing the Maricopa Grant Application for Dual Enrollment Students and providing documentation of household income using the most recent year's signed income tax return or copy of Tax Return Transcript from the parent or guardians. Financial need will be indicated if household income falls below 200% of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2023 Poverty Guidelines Financial Need Indicated at 200% Guideline (To Be Determined)

You will not be considered for tuition assistance without a complete admissions file and tuition assistance application. If you have been rejected, you must resubmit a new application to be considered.

Currently, placement testing is available through EdReady which can be taken remotely. You can find information about completing the EdReady placement exam here. You will need to complete the Reading test.

Applications submitted after May 31st will be placed on our waiting list. You will receive an email confirmation letting you know that you are on the waiting list; however, you may contact our office at 480-517-8080 if you have not received an email.

Generally, tuition assistance funds will be applied to your student account one week after the official dual enrollment start date.

Enrollment can be done online through your Student Center. Students receiving Tuition Assistance must be completely enrolled in both Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 classes no later than August 18, 2023. Funds will only be applied to the courses you are enrolled in by that date. Contact us by at 480-517-8080 or at dual.enrollment@riosalado.edu for assistance with enrollment.

Tuition Assistance covers up to 9 credits. You may enroll in more credits; however, you will be responsible to pay the difference for additional credits. Payments can be made online directly through your Student Center or by contacting our cashier’s office at 480-517-8330.

You must contact the Dual Enrollment office before making any changes. Our staff will ensure that the proper changes are updated on your account. You may contact us at 480-517-8080 or at dual.enrollment@riosalado.edu.

There is no minimum academic requirement to reapply for Tuition Assistance; however, you must earn a C or better in your courses in order to receive college credit and successfully apply earned credits to your college degree program.