Tuition & Payments
Eligible High school students in Maricopa County can qualify for resident rates on Dual Enrollment courses if they meet Arizona residency requirements. Before paying tuition, students must register for their Dual Enrollment course. Tuition assistance is also available!
Tuition & Payments - 1st Block
Looking for Tuition Assistance?
Don’t miss out on college credits because of cost! Apply for free grant money today by completing the Maricopa Grant application! Eligibility is based on financial need. Income guidelines are available on the application. Funds are available to eligible students on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications received after June 10, 2025, will be placed on a wait list and may not receive tuition assistance. Please note that any class can be used as a placeholder on the tuition assistance application.
All applications for Rio Salado tuition assistance must meet the following requirements.
- Applicants must be fully admitted to Rio Salado College (no charge for this). New students: Get admitted to Rio Salado
- Complete the Admissions process by submitting:
- Color copy of High School ID AND Birth Certificate, OR valid AZ State ID, Permit OR Driver's license, OR SIGNED US passport
- Financial Responsibility/Consent Form
- Transcript showing GPA of 2.00 or higher (Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors only)
- Freshman will need to take the Edready College Reading Placement Assessment at maricopa.edready.org
Students must be able to show financial need by providing one of the following:
- Copy of 2024 federal tax form 1040 (no extensions considered), showing that the Adjusted Gross Income is less than the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines
- OR
Award letter (dated within 12 months of application) 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.
Students are encouraged to use their Free/Reduced Lunch Letter if they receive this as it may allow students to be considered for additional funding should it become available.
Secure your tuition assistance today. Complete your application to take the first step towards your educational goals at Rio Salado College.
FAQs: Understanding Tuition & Payments
The priority deadline to submit your completed Tuition Assistance application is June 9, 2025. 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 15, 2025.
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 2025 and Spring 2026 classes no later than August 15, 2025. 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 2024 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 website.
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.
Agua Fria Union High School District - Students and parents can complete the Free and Reduced Lunch application website.
Buckeye Union High School District - Students and parents can complete the Free and Reduced Lunch application website.
Tolleson Union High School District - Students and parents can complete the Free and Reduced Lunch application website
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 2024 Poverty Guidelines Financial Need Indicated at 200% Guideline (To Be Determined)
HHS Poverty Guidelines for 2025
| Persons in Family | Poverty Guideline | 200% |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,650 | $31,300 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $42,300 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $53,300 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $64,300 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $75,300 |
| 6 | $43,150 | $86,300 |
| 7 | $48,650 | $97,300 |
| 8 | $54,150 | $108,300 |
For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,500 for each additional person.
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 June 9th, 2025 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 2025 and Spring 2026 classes no later than August 15, 2025. 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.
**Please note that any class can be used as a placeholder on the tuition assistance application.
Tuition Assistance covers up to 7 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.