Welcome Students

Offcanvas

Some text as placeholder. In real life you can have the elements you have chosen. Like, text, images, lists, etc.

Your Next Steps to Starting at Rio

Welcome to Rio Salado. This page is a guide to kickstart your journey as a successful Rio student. Read more about the online tools you will use, how to connect with your online community or find other resources to help you.

Your Pre-Class Preparation: Visit Student Center

Log in to your Student Center regularly to check for important messages, access your Maricopa Student Gmail account, and find items that have been added to your To Do list.

Your Online Learning Experience: Explore the RioLearn

RioLearn is the college's online learning portal where you'll take your Rio Salado classes and access many college resources. After you are admitted to Rio Salado, you will use your MEID (username) and password to log into RioLearn. You will also need to complete Duo authentication. Find instructions on the Maricopa website. 

Take our video tour to learn more about navigating RioLearn and see what it’s like to take an online class. 

  • Tech check – is my computer ready for online classes? 
  • Did you know? You can schedule an appointment with your Academic Advisor, and visit the Rio Salado library and bookstore through RioLearn. 
  • Track your college to-do list items in your RioLearn Action Items pane. 
  • After you are admitted and registered for classes, log into RioLearn and complete the syllabus acknowledgment within the first three days of class. 
  • Use the RioLearn Message Center to introduce yourself and communicate with your instructors. 
  • Get more RioLearn Tips and Tools

Your First Class: Expectations and Success

  • Log into RioLearn. For most classes, reading the syllabus and completing the acknowledgement is the first assignment (due within the first three days of class).
  • Introduce yourself to instructors using the Message Center
  • Explore available resources in RioLearn (tutoring, library, etc.)
  • Be aware of the last day to drop a class without it appearing on your record

Your Options: Dropping vs. Withdrawing from a Class

Life happens. Plans change. Watch this video to learn differences between dropping and withdrawing from a class, including academic and financial implications of each option.

Your Cost Saving Opportunities

Money-roll icon

Ways to Save Time & Money

Earn your degree faster and save money by turning your prior academic, workforce, or armed forces experience into college credits at Rio Salado. Explore options like employer benefits, alternative credit programs, and national tests to fast-track your education.

Options Include:

  • Employer Tuition Assistance
  • Military Experience
  • Transfer Credits
  • Workforce Training & Certificates

Learn more on our Ways to Save Time and Money page.

Affordability icon

$0 Textbooks

With Rio Salado’s $0 and low-cost textbook courses, many classes have free or affordable textbooks—no more paying hundreds for a single book! Use our new course search tools to easily find these options. 

Highlights:

  • Nearly half of our online courses offer $0 or low-cost textbooks
  • Low-cost textbooks are priced at $40 or less
  • $0 textbook Certificate of Completion programs available in various fields

Your Rio Community

Progress-update icon

Network with Other Rio Students

Develop important connections with students and others in the Rio Salado College community. Start networking here:

Person-diamond icon

You Are Never Alone on Your Rio Journey

Dedicated staff will assist you from enrollment through graduation. Student support resources include:

  • Counseling and career services
  • Tutoring and academic advising
  • Technology and instructional help desks
  • Digital and in-person library services

Your Path to Success

This library of videos offers tips on being successful and getting the most out of your time at Rio Salado College.

Videos to Watch Now

Student in front of computer with headphones

Online Tools You'll use

Learn about two important online tools you'll use as a Rio Salado student

Watch This Video

Female Student in cap and gown

Block Calendar Scheduling

Planning to earn a degree/certificate from Rio? Make sure your classes meet Block Calendar requirements

Watch this Video

Group at gym stretching

Managing Stress

Tips by Rio Salado counselors for managing stress and improving your academic success

Watch This Video

Young lady looking at camera

Set yourself up for success as a student with more tips

You'll use your MEID (your username) and password to log in to RioLearn. Review these helpful items and perform any tasks: