Rio Salado College
Rio Salado College is a public online community college in Tempe, Arizona, part of MCCCD, serving 340,000+ students across all 50 states with 135+ degree and certificate programs, two bachelor's degrees, and dedicated military and adult education tracks.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1978
- HeadquartersTempe, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Rio Salado College does
Rio Salado College is a public community college headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, operated by the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) since its founding in 1978. It functions as one of the largest online community colleges in the United States, having served more than 340,000 students online over 20+ years through 135+ degree and certificate programs, 595+ online classes, and up to 40 start dates per year. Core product offerings include associate degrees, certificates, two bachelor's degrees (Elementary Education/Special Education BA and Public Safety Administration BAS, launched in 2023), adult education (GED/ESL), dual enrollment for high schoolers, and dedicated tracks for military/veteran and international students. Distribution is multi-modal: online self-serve via RioLearn, 10+ physical locations across the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, an on-base site at Luke Air Force Base, and partner high schools statewide.
Rio Salado College firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Rio Salado College
- Legal name
- Rio Salado College
- Website
- https://riosalado.edu
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1978
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Rio Salado College is a public online community college in Tempe, Arizona, part of MCCCD, serving 340,000+ students across all 50 states with 135+ degree and certificate programs, two bachelor's degrees, and dedicated military and adult education tracks.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Rio Salado College industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education / Online Community College
- NAICS
- Junior Colleges (61121), Junior Colleges (6112), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public Community Colleges (EDAHADAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Comprehensive Community Colleges (Transfer + Workforce) (EDAHADAE), Transfer/University-Parallel Community Colleges (EDAHADAF), University/College Continuing Education (Extension) Programs (EDAAAEAA)
Keywords
Where Rio Salado College is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tempe
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices10 records
Markets served
Rio Salado College business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Tuition and Fees: Rio Salado College generates revenue primarily through student tuition and fees. Tuition is charged per credit hour. Maricopa County residents receive in-district pricing; out-of-state students pay a higher non-resident rate. Additional revenue comes from lab fees, bookstore sales, testing fees, and miscellaneous service fees.
- Financial Aid, Grants, and Scholarships: Federal and state financial aid (Pell Grants, loans), institutional scholarships, and third-party employer tuition assistance programs are processed through the college and support student enrollment.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | In-State / Maricopa County Resident Tuition |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Out-of-State / Non-Resident Tuition |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Dual Enrollment |
| Other | Monthly | Payment Plans (NelNet) |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Rio Salado College product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Rio Salado College is an online community college headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, offering 135+ degree and certificate programs delivered primarily through its RioLearn LMS. It provides associate degrees, two bachelor's degrees (Elementary Education/Special Education and Public Safety Administration), adult education (GED, ESL), dual/concurrent enrollment for high school students, and military/veteran-focused academic services. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and operates as one of ten institutions within the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD).
Product overview
Rio Salado College is an online community college offering a comprehensive educational platform. The core offerings include RioLearn (the primary online learning portal for course access and assignment submission) and RioConnect (a virtual community platform for student engagement). The college provides 135+ degree and certificate programs including two bachelor's degrees (Elementary Education/Special Education and Public Safety Administration), alongside adult education, early college programs for high school students, and specialized services for military veterans. Supporting infrastructure includes nine testing centers, tutoring services, 24/7 library resources, a dental clinic, and the SPOT 127 youth media program. Programs are delivered primarily online with flexible scheduling and multiple location options across the greater Phoenix area.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- RioConnect: Virtual community platform for online student engagement, belonging, and peer connection.
- RioLearn
- SPOT 127
- Communiversity at Queen Creek
- Adult Education
Products and services
- RioLearn Online Learning Portal Online learning management system that gives students 24/7 access to course materials, assignments, instructor communication, progress tracking, and advising appointment scheduling across 595+ asynchronous classes.
- RioConnect Virtual Community Platform Virtual community platform (powered by InScribe) that fosters peer connection and a sense of belonging among online students, with documented 40% increase in student belonging and reduction in support needs through peer interactions.
- Degree and Certificate Programs Portfolio of 135+ associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, certificates of completion, and academic certificates across fields such as business, health sciences, education, computer technology, and behavioral sciences, delivered primarily online.
- Bachelor's Degrees Two bachelor's degree programs — Elementary Education/Special Education (BA) and Public Safety Administration (BAS) — offered online at community college tuition rates with the same flexible scheduling as other Rio Salado courses.
- Adult Education Award-winning adult education program offering GED test preparation, English language/ESL classes, career training, and bridge-to-college pathways for learners 16+ not currently in high school, delivered at multiple Phoenix-metro locations.
- Early College Programs (Dual / Concurrent / ACE Enrollment) Programs that let high school students earn college credits through Dual Enrollment (at their high school), Concurrent Enrollment (online), or ACE (with mentoring for students facing challenges), at the same Maricopa tuition rate.
- Military and Veteran Services Dedicated academic advisement, transcript evaluation, military tuition assistance coordination, VA education benefits certification, and on-base services at Luke Air Force Base for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.
- Testing Services Nine testing centers certified by the National College Testing Association (NCTA), offering placement testing, proctored exams, and professional certification testing across the Phoenix metro area.
- Tutoring Services Free in-person and online tutoring services for enrolled students, including math tutoring at multiple Phoenix-metro locations and online support.
- Library Services 24/7 online access to articles, eBooks, streaming media, and research resources through the RSC Library, supporting both online and in-person learners.
- Dental Hygiene Clinic On-site dental hygiene clinic located across from the main Tempe campus, combining hybrid classroom instruction with clinical services for students and community members.
- SPOT 127 Youth Media Center KJZZ's Youth Media Center program offering a free 9-month after-school program, summer programming, industry mentoring, and project-based digital media instruction for teens at the Southern Tempe campus.
Quantifiable outcome
- 40% increase in student belonging through RioConnect platform
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Rio Salado College
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Rio Salado College technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Rio Salado College partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- InScribe EducationcoreInScribe Education was selected to support a new initiative aimed at improving online student belonging and persistence in collaboration with Alamo Colleges District and WCET. The initiative focuses on leveraging community-building and digital platforms to enhance social capital and engagement for online learners. Rio Salado expanded its RioConnect virtual community platform through this collaboration.
- WCET (Wiche Consortium for Community & Technical Colleges)coreWCET is a partner in the initiative with InScribe Education, Alamo Colleges District, and Rio Salado College to improve online student belonging and persistence. WCET brings expertise in educational technology and online learning.
- AlquistminorAlquist expanded its national education and workforce development initiative through a new partnership with Rio Salado Community College in Arizona, embedding its proprietary A1 3DCP systems and 60-hour curriculum into the institution. Partnerships include practical applications such as 3D-printed concrete benches delivered for Tempe's Downtown Enhancement Project and showcase events at Hensel Phelps' Diverge Innovation Center.
- University of Wisconsin–StoutminorAlquist partnered with University of Wisconsin–Stout alongside Rio Salado as part of its national 3D construction workforce development initiative.
- Hensel Phelps (Diverge Innovation Center)minorAlquist partnered with Hensel Phelps for showcase events at the Diverge Innovation Center as part of the 3D construction training initiative involving Rio Salado.
- Tempe (City of)minorAlquist's partnership with Rio Salado included practical applications such as 3D-printed concrete benches delivered for Tempe's Downtown Enhancement Project.
- InScribe EducationcoreRio Salado College expanded its RioConnect virtual community platform in collaboration with InScribe. The platform delivered a 40% increase in student belonging and significant reduction in support needs through peer interactions. This collaboration demonstrates the ongoing strategic importance of InScribe's platform for student retention outcomes.
- Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, University of ArizonacoreArizona's three public universities (ASU, NAU, U of A) are transfer partners accepting Rio Salado/Maricopa Community College credits toward specific programs. Additionally, Rio Salado has transfer agreements with more than 40 universities across the country.
- GUILD EducationminorRio Salado participates in GUILD's employer tuition assistance program, connecting employees of partner companies with educational benefits at the college.
- ARIZONA@WORKminorRio Salado's Adult Education program partners with ARIZONA@WORK as part of the Arizona workforce system, connecting learners to in-demand career training and livable wage employment.
- Maricopa Community Colleges (MCCCD)coreRio Salado College is one of ten colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD), sharing accreditation, resources, transfer agreements, and a unified enrollment system across all 10 colleges.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Rio Salado College competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Broward College: Florida-based community college with strong online, international, and dual-enrollment programs. Comparable target segments (international, adult, transfer) and competitive online pricing.
- Dallas College: Texas-based consolidated community college serving 100,000+ credit students annually with broad online offerings. Comparable scale, public community college mission, and transfer articulation approach.
- Houston Community College: One of the largest community colleges in the U.S. with a substantial online course catalog and similar dual-enrollment, adult-ed, and workforce training offerings. Comparable scale and student demographics.
- Miami Dade College: Largest U.S. community college by enrollment, with extensive online, international, and adult education offerings. Comparable public community college model serving diverse populations.
- Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA): Large multi-campus Virginia community college with extensive online offerings and transfer partnerships (notably with George Mason University). Comparable public community college model with national online reach.
- Pikes Peak State College: Large Colorado-based community college with nationally scaled online program offerings, comparable target audience (adult learners, transfer-bound, military), and similar community-college tuition positioning. Direct competitor for out-of-state online enrollment.
- Maricopa County Community College District (sister colleges: Phoenix College, Mesa Community College, Chandler-Gilbert, Scottsdale, Glendale, etc.): Operates within the same MCCCD system under unified accreditation, enrollment platform, and transfer agreements. Comparable in scale and target audience; compete and collaborate with Rio Salado for Arizona community college students.
Broad incumbents
- Western Governors University: Nonprofit, accredited online university offering affordable competency-based bachelor's and master's degrees nationwide. Competes directly with Rio Salado in the affordable-online higher-education category but at the four-year level.
- Arizona State University (ASU Online): A primary transfer partner for Rio Salado and one of the largest online university operators nationally. Simultaneously a critical articulation partner and a competitive threat as ASU Online expands affordable bachelor's delivery.
- Southern New Hampshire University: One of the largest online universities in the U.S., serving adult and transfer-bound learners with broad program offerings. Competes with Rio Salado for the same affordable-online higher-ed audience, especially at the bachelor's level.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Rio Salado College social profiles
Digital presenceRio Salado College compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Rio Salado College financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Rio Salado College leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Rio Salado College funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Rio Salado College M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Rio Salado College
What does Rio Salado College do?
Rio Salado College is an online community college headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, offering 135+ degree and certificate programs delivered primarily through its RioLearn LMS. It provides associate degrees, two bachelor's degrees (Elementary Education/Special Education and Public Safety Administration), adult education (GED, ESL), dual/concurrent enrollment for high school students, and military/veteran-focused academic services. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and operates as one of ten institutions within the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD).
Is Rio Salado College a public or private company?
Rio Salado College is a public company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Rio Salado College founded?
Rio Salado College was founded in 1978. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Rio Salado College based?
Rio Salado College is headquartered in Tempe, United States, in the North America region.
How does Rio Salado College make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Fees are the primary driver. The others are financial Aid, Grants, and Scholarships.
Who are Rio Salado College's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Broward College, Dallas College, Houston Community College, Miami Dade College, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), Pikes Peak State College and Maricopa County Community College District (sister colleges: Phoenix College, Mesa Community College, Chandler-Gilbert, Scottsdale, Glendale, etc.). Broad incumbents are Western Governors University, Arizona State University (ASU Online) and Southern New Hampshire University.
Does Rio Salado College have an API?
No public API is recorded for Rio Salado College.
What industry is Rio Salado College in?
Rio Salado College's product category is Higher Education / Online Community College. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHADAA, Public Community Colleges, with a secondary code of EDAHADAE, Comprehensive Community Colleges (Transfer + Workforce). Its NAICS code is 61121 and its SIC code is 8200.