Rio Salado College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
With a 98.6% acceptance rate, Rio Salado is built to be accessible, so your strategy should focus on choosing the right program, staying on top of enrollment steps, and keeping costs low. Since it is test-optional, submit scores only if they help with placement or meet a specific program requirement.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Rio Salado College facts and stats
Rio Salado College enrolls 18,841 undergraduate students. Rio Salado is located in an urban setting, with a 31:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Its profile reflects a large undergraduate community in a city-based academic environment.
Tempe, AZ

Unlock your future with Acely
Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.
Key Rio Salado College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Coming soon
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to Rio Salado, take your first test by the spring of junior year and save the summer before senior year plus the fall of senior year for retakes. Because Rio Salado does not offer Early Decision or Early Action, use the application deadline for your intended start term to decide which fall retake is the last one that will arrive in time.
Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Rio Salado College?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
Rio Salado is a public college with in-state tuition of $2,328 and out-of-state tuition of $8,928. Use the cost and aid details below to compare residency rates and plan for financial aid options.

Rio Salado’s out-of-state tuition is $8,928, while in-state tuition is $2,328. Room and board is estimated at $9,664, so total costs can vary significantly based on where a student lives and the aid they receive. Students should compare tuition, living costs, and financial aid options to understand their likely out-of-pocket cost.
Student life at Rio Salado College
Student activities and organization details coming soon.
Campus housing details coming soon.
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Carrington College - Mesa
Mesa, AZAcceptance rate: 100%
Carrington College - Phoenix
Phoenix, AZAcceptance rate: 100%
Acceptance rate: 89.9%
Arizona State University at the West campus
Phoenix, AZSAT: 1050–1250
ACT: 19–25
Ready to fit Rio Salado College's core benchmarks?
Start practicing today and track your progress toward a competitive score.