This is the second event I have attended where our non-profit organization rented space for a Saturday event. Everything was clean and comfortable. The AV and catering was handled well. Plenty of parking was available including plenty of disabled access. read more

Rio Salado College - General session in the main room. - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Avoid this place! They dropped me from a class for "non attendance" because their website was broken the entire week and assignments would not turn in. I emailed the professor directly with my assignments attached and proof of the errors. They acknowleged the issue and said they would grade the assignments manually, but still dropped me. I needed part time status so I dropped my other class for a refund which they would not give because I was 2 days past the refund date, and gave no consideration for their mistakes and technical failure. So now I am stuck paying hundreds of dollars for classes I could not take. read more

Professor does not respond Timely to question. To much writing assignments. Students would like to learn something read more

I entered telling the advisor i dont know anything about technology but i want to try to get a degree in technology and because you are the professional i will need to count on you to pick my classes. My first block i had computer information/ web development/MySQL/ and a first year class. I could not believe the crap they make you learn with. Microsoft 365 lots of glitches study a app a week and need to be able to use advanced tools withing that time. Refuses to admit that software has gaps telling me that i need to video my issues before he will believe me. I was working about 35-50 hours a week on just getting the projects done. He also enrolled me into a MySQL class that had a prerequisite i was taking with it. Then my second block im told to use a interactive book Simnet which was so bad i decided to just get out of technology and go into something else. i left information to speak with the person to enroll in other classes and i only have a week to start the other classes and she never called me. They refuse to give out phone numbers to upper staff and make you use emails which you might get a response in six weeks. this was a miserable experience. Right now Im looking at other colleges in this state that might be better. I quit coursera because the learning material looks like its written by a mexican toddler. dont waste your time. read more

Extremely unprofessional experience. I reached out requesting a placement test for one of the classes, and was denied acceptance due to a technical malfunction and lack of explanation within the email. There was no understanding for this issue and I was unable to retake the test. read more

GED testers They single out the people who are testing for GED. They have you empty your pockets, lift your hair, and I was told to take apart my inhaler to prove that there wasn't anything inside of it. It felt invasive and uncomfortable. Especially when other testers are looking at you. Mind you, they're not required to do any of that. People who are going in to get their GED come from all types of backgrounds. This is an already VERY intimidating experience and by doing this, it makes it worse. The other testers are allowed to just walk in. So it definitely feels like as a. GED tester i'm singled out. Lastly. The security guard at the front desk. Don't know his name, was inappropriately looking at another student. I'm a mom, i'm a woman- it's unprofessional and inappropriate. 2 stars because the building is Also want to say. If you're going to get your GED, YOU GOT THIS!!! This is your first steps into becoming that person you've always wanted to be. This stranger believes in you read more

I took a teacher certification exam there today. The lady at the front desk was very friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. The facility was organized and very clean. It was a great experience! read more

Not a good place to work due to the staff "Nepotism" throughout the entire District. It's not usually what you know, it's who you know! Employees that are lazy and try to pawn their work off on other employees, making them a simply bad employee, management will typically promote them and ship them off to another department. Now this corruption all starts from the so-called "higher ups"! read more

This school claims to be an online college but the platform they use is garbage and their tech support will just waste your time. I called about being logged out of my student account every 30 minutes and then being locked out for anywhere from 45 minutes to over a day on the first day of class and today I'm getting ready to take my final and the problem was never resolved. They blamed all of my devices and not their system. Even though I'm not able to sign in on anyone else's devices or the school computers. Go to any other Maricopa college that uses canvas. You'll save yourself a lot of time and effort. A special shout out to Marissa and Manuel in the tech support dept. Get a new job you're horrible at your current role you did absolutely nothing for me but waste my time and delete files off my computer that made it wonky. read more

I still work for Maricopa Community Colleges, but now I am at Rio Salado! Employees really care about their students, and the culture here is very welcoming. read more

WORST COLLEGE TO EVER TAKE ONLINE CLASSES AT. I would give it no stars if I could. Says it's a fully online class but then you have to take all exams proctored in person. The proctor center is no help during this process for out of state kids. Total waste of money taking classes here. read more

It is insane to me that this "school" does online classes and they don't even bother to have an actual teacher to show and help you out when you need it. I don't understand why I'm paying so much money when all they have you do is read the stuff and then try and figure it out on your own. Basically a big scam I do not recommend this place read more

They're mainly online. A few programs, suchas the sustainable food program is on site (I'm sure there may be more). I was having issues registering and thought it would be best to go in. They helped resolve my issue and I was even able to go speak with the Fin Aid office and get that taken care of too. I also utilized the student center. Personally, knowing how something used to be compared to how it is tends to remind me that I can't hold onto the past. My experience in the Student Center wasn't all that great. The person there for the evening I went has deterred me from wanting to go back. She was very obviously preoccupied and didn't even have the info for how to get onto the wifi. I did come in for help but the PAR courses weren't an option for help. I remember an earlier time where I used to use the old space there regularly. Maybe I'll get over it but it sort of just made me feel like it I didn't want to disturb anyone, like at all. Not the help and certainly not the other students. read more

Rio Salado has a very unfair and unrealistic grading policy. Coursework does not matter at Rio Salado, they only care about you exam grade and will pass or fail you based on your exams. Respectfully, biggest waste of time and money and would NOT recommend. read more

Schools must embrace the idea that fraud is an institutional issue that can impact all aspects of the college, not just the financial aid office. Chancellors, admissions directors, IT staff, vice chancellors for student and academic affairs, business/bursar administrators and online learning administrators all need to take a role in protecting Title IV funds." That being said Financial aid administrators have a fiduciary's responsibility to report suspected fraud. To protect the integrity of the school but also to protect the abuse of the student(s) being defrauded. I have on numerous occasion have advised STAFF DEANS AND ADMINISTRATION of the suspected Financial aide fraud that has been occuring in my account. This is sad to say but no one has stood up on their own accord and reported it. The above paragraph states that the school has a DUTY to report it if anything. Instead the very people who are supposed to protect the rights of the student ..me have turned and slandered my name allowed the fraud to continue and put a stop to me furthering my education. I am being abused by the very system that is here to help me by allowing false complaints to be filed and abusing the due process and the rules created by this institution. Now this will not can not continue by any means due what you feel is necessary to stop me from pursuing who committed this fraud in my name. I have access to every login every change every sign in on my account . Along with the IP location and what web browser and device date and time was used to get in my account. This is My account that I created and I have every right to be in as much as I want when I want because I am entitled to this as a citizen of the United states. read more

I am grateful for the opportunity to take credits for transfer and improve my application for grad school.

The teachers are harsh, robotic graders that expect you to read through the lines and know what they want. If you don't write specifically what they want to hear, even though you demonstrate comprehension of the material you are not given a fair grade. Students are not mind readers. The abstract / theoretical writing assignments that are required in a science-based class are ridiculous. The instructions ask for a real-world application of the material but then the teacher marks you down when you give real world examples of the material instead of summarizing the lesson. Crazy, if they want a summary, ask the student to summarize! Simple!!Why would you ask how a healthcare professional would apply it in the real world. No one in the medical field is breaking down an entire textbook chapter in the clinical setting. I've been in healthcare for 20 years and never have a I seen a practicing nurse explain the entire process of mitosis or meiosis to a patient, student or other employee. Ridiculous!!! this is just one example... Rio Salado science department sets you up to fail. read more

Have only been to this physical location once. The bookstore is tucked away on the second floor in the back. Watch the signs. The woman working the bookstore was helpful and friendly. read more

I called there to just get some basic information for my child and I got the rudest most condescending individual. I tried to explain the situation and this person wanted to talk on the phone with a potential paying customer like she wanted some kind of disease . So if you can't even call and get a decent person to chat with you about it I would highly recommend staying away from this place. What a horrible experience just to ask about classes. read more

By far the worse experience of my life. OF MY LIFE. Biggest waste of money and time I've EVER spent. I am furious and horribly disappointed in myself for trusting in Rio that my education would be respected and taken seriously. Feeling like absolute trash after just getting covid when my microbiology professor said "yeah I gave you zeros on those assignments (that were 4 hours late) but get some rest, covid is rough" ---- like, WHAT the FCK. Where is the humanity? I actually couldn't believe it. I have been in school for almost 9 years total trying to make my dreams happen. But you know what - y'all win. I officially give up forever. Thanks for singlehandedly crushing my spirit beyond repair. Shout out to RITA SCHLAPPY - the most inadequate "teacher" I've ever encountered. Words literally cannot explain how absolutely disastrous she is. Coming from a straight-A student that graduated EARLY from ASU, I have never worked harder in any class ever, yet this was the biggest let down I've experienced.. and even that is an understatement. Beyond impossible outdated curriculum that's regurgitated every year without review. I found maaaaany errors throughout the course (spelling, grammatical, and otherwise) -- I shouldn't be teaching the teacher. She refuses to go over missed questions on quizzes and exams so you'll never actually know what you got wrong. When I reached out for help she responded by trying to give me tips on how to study --- HA! I almost thought she was joking. You are given 60 SECONDS MAX to read and answer every question on each exam (many questions contain multiple parts). Need to re-read, revisit or think about it for a moment? Well fucking forget about that... Students are SET UP to fail on every level. The department refuses to think outside the box or actually consider what students need to succeed. Instead they respond with "Well that's how it goes for everyone" ---but so what if it DOESN'T WORK. --- Pathetic. I guess it's true sometimes, you GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR IN LIFE. Cheap classes make for cheap teachers. I echo the countless other reviews in saying - SHAME ON YOU, RIO SALADO!!!!!!! ( + SHAME ON YOU, RITA SCHLAPPY!!!!!!!! ) DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY. PLEASE READ THE REVIEWS. CHECK YELP. CHECK BBB. WE DO NOT LIE. STAY FAR FAR AWAY !!!!!!! --- OR YOU WILL END UP LIKE ME AND PRAY YOU WISH YOU LISTENED EARLIER.... read more

This college is a joke. They say that you can get your certifications or degree there BUT they don't let follow your state guidelines. Caused my son to miss out on a job offer because of an Arizona criteria that did not pertain to him as we live in another state AND he already has a bachelors it's just a teaching certificate. Even when the school district called on his behalf because they really want him. Don't return calls, don't return emails until weeks later. A disgrace! But will take the money fast enough. Don't waste your time with this "school" read more

I saw an article that said that Maricopa community college enrollment was done about 20% and the admissions office believes it was due to students fear of enrolling, during the pandemic. Now, that I have enrolled in a class here, I can tell them the issue is with the quality of the instruction/web-content and not fears related to the pandemic. I wish I had read these reviews, before I enrolled. I have taken hundreds of college level courses in my life (I have a master's degree but wanted to change fields) and this is by far the worst I have ever taken. The instructor is supposed to respond within 48-72 hours, if you're having issues. The quickest response I received was 5 days. Each lesson has involved a major technical issue and no one assists. The course and technical issues help desks are either unavailable or ring continuously, before disconnecting. The rare times I have reached a live human, they have sent me back to the non-responsive instructor or the last help desk, I tried. Each claimed it wasn't their issue and sent me to the next, until I ended where I started, without any help. It's a continuous cycle, with no one willing to stop and take the time to address the problem. I work full time and can't spend hours, sitting on the phone, hoping someone will pickup, so when they finally get this fixed, I won't have the time to complete it. The system won't allow you to complete the next lesson, until it shows that you've completed the last, so I'm stuck here.... read more

Well I should have read the reviews before I even stepped foot on this campus..... Fast forward I just received a phone call today as to why I turned down finishing my application for the Alternative Certification Program. The person on the other end asked me why did I not want to be apart of the program and I told her it was too many mixed signals. One academic advisor is telling me one thing and another is telling me something else. On top of all that the Financial Aid advisor is trying to be helpful about what I need to make sure I'm filling out the paperwork correctly. At the end of this phone conversation the lady says " I wish you the best of luck in the classroom but it can't happen here" and hung up...That was shocking because first if your trying to get information on why I decided to change my mind you don't say anything like that. That's not professional at all. It's almost like wow you called to really play nice and then be nasty in the end. What was the real reason why you reached to me? Do you do this to every student that changes their mind? I do not want my name and number passed around throughout the department. I need to write a letter to the president or to the board members. Those kind of people should not be in a position to call those different shots. read more

Don't waste your money! We live clear out in Buckeye and both times have been told by the bookstore we had to drive all the way to Tempe to take care of purchasing a book, that was ordered incorrectly by there office. Then when we get out to the college we are told another story. My only day off and once again we are making a two hour drive to correct issues. You need to learn how to communicate with Pearson Mylab. How about Debbie give us a free book since we've paid for it twice in gas and time. Id give Zero Stars it I could. We will be looking elsewhere for my sons college career as of this is how working with them his Senior in high school looks...no thanks! Not worth the headache. Updated: Gave better review because Sharon the manager at the bookstore fixed everything! Including mailing the book and giving us the code over the phone so my son doesn't get behind on his course. read more

I'll edit my review once my issues have been addressed by the school and hopefully resolved. I have been trying to start my classes at Rio Salado online since December. I've submitted all required documents on the to do list. The first issue was with my RSC high school form, aka my transcripts. Since I got my GED I thought it would be easier to submit than high school transcripts. (I also attended GED classes at a Rio Salado location) There was an option to send either a photo or scan of my transcripts, and I have a copy of my official GED transcripts. Well of course, I was then told it was not accepted. Then why did it allow me to submit it this way? I'm honestly baffled by that particular instance still. I ended up paying a whopping $10 to send them directly to the admissions department from the AZ Department of Eduction building. Didn't know a piece of paper would cost so much, when my fiancé's transcripts are either free or like $2 to send by mail. Those were the last thing they needed to process my financial aid and were received January 4th. At this point I was told by the financial aid office (eventually, after calling several times and getting different or no answers to my questions) that I managed to submit everything within the "priority" period that ended January 7th. Meaning everything should have been processed within 4 weeks from then. Much to my surprise I got a new notification, with an email and a new required document pop up on January 9th. Apparently there was conflicting information on my FAFSA compared to my DEP verification form. The email informed me that while I had my parents listed as divorced on my FAFSA, my DEP form listed them both. Wish I could look at the form again, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have put them both on it unless A. It directly asked me to or B. There was space to put both and nothing said that I should only put one on there, or only put what is on my FAFSA. I could be wrong there, but I know I wouldn't have put that info there unless something made it unclear that I should not, or that anything saying I shouldn't was easy to overlook/worded poorly. Regardless, I submitted this too and it was received today. I decided to reach out via live chat on the Maricopa website to ask how this might affect my financial aid processing time. I expected maybe a day or two from today my financial aid would be done processing, since it's been processing for weeks now. I was very surprised to read the opposite. Instead, it seems this additional document has reset my processing time. This statement really confuses me and honestly there's just no excuse for this. Now I've been told as of today it will take 7-10 business days to even look at this document, and then another 7 to process my financial aid. How is this even possible? My fiancé had similar issues while registering for ASU online, however they didn't arbitrarily reset his processing time when he submitted new documents. Because of that he's already in classes, when we applied for each of these colleges at the same time. He did have to send a complaint to the AZ Department of Education though, I might have to as well at this point. I've already sent a complaint to Rio outlining this issue. I probably won't be able to start classes until mid or late February. It should not take this long to look at some documents and complete this process, especially considering colleges with a larger admission rate are able to complete the same process faster. read more

Enrolling at Rio was one of the beat decisions I have made. The Teachers and Staff really care about us Students and always treat us with the upmost respect and In my experience have always went above and beyond. I can't wait to graduate! read more

This is a great school for people who can do online classes. Most of the classes are taken online and possibly have a proctored midterm and final at a local rio salado campus. My first review of this school was very harsh. It was hard to sign up and get my financial aid squared away. You have to remember this school is constantly admitting students and things can get lost in the shuffle.. Since I began at Rio in 2018 I have had great professors who are very flexible with me as a full-time worker with responsibilities and the classes have been great. the subject matter is interesting and the prereq classes have prepared me well as I will eventually transfer to ASU to obtain my bachelors degree. People that are complaining about this school are looking for someone to hold their hand through the process. Good luck with that. If you are looking for immediate feedback and communication then very obviously, online classes are not for you. That being said, anytime I've put a message through to a teacher I've always gotten a reply at a decent time taking into account they are full-time teachers themselves teaching multiple classes at once. Never had a problem getting an extension or due date change on a project either. And feedback on assignments are very helpful. Once again to hammer the point, if you need immediate feedback and direct communication with a teacher go take classes at a campus for the obvious reason you will have teachers and aids in the classroom and on campus. For people that are self-motivated and have the desire to learn, this school is for you. Thanks read more

I wish I can give a 0 stars. The part for science doesnt teach all that you need to know for the GED test and also the teacher never gives you a fast answer and when she does, is nothing to do about your question. I had to pay for practice exams from my pocket and lessons as well because the Essential Education program they use is a piece of crap. read more

This school doesn't even deserve a star - they need to make dead star rating an option for this school. My husband is in the incarcerated program and is made to feel like he is worthless. The staff actually told us we need to be grateful that he is even in the program, that was after telling me, "I guess I shouldn't expect you to know how to register him, I have a master's degree". What is wrong with these people? What does having a master's degree have to do with anything. I have a Master's Degree and am retired military ... and I am actually very aware of what I am doing when it comes to registering for courses. I graduated from GateWay, these people are rude and very unprofessional. Maybe they work with incarcerated people so they can feel better about themselves. I just want to say, no one there at Rio is better than any one of those inmates, and if they are willing to better themselves then why not work with them. Isn't that what the program is for? I don't believe in giving up on people, especially if they are actively trying to better themselves, especially if they support of their friends and family, that only increases their likelihood of sucess. I spoke to the dean of the school to try and resolve the issue and informed her of her staffs behavior, she was about as helpful as her staff. I was told that the individual was dealt with, I doubt anything was really done about it. Rio Salado doesn't care about Arizona inmates or rehabilitating them - I know from first hand experience. They are absolutely NOT providing any type of encouragement, support without being made felt useless or being educationally encouraged. They are a hindrance to the inmate every step of the way. It's to bad it's the only option - my husband wants to do better and Rio is making is so hard for him to complete his coursework. Even having me to support him and communicate with Rio on his behalf in regards to the inappropriate and unprofessional behavior goes unnoticed. It's too bad someone that matters doesn't do something about it. Apparently, Rio can do what ever they want and treat people how ever they want, not actually help the inmates they get funded to help. I am not ever sure what the incarcerated program is for if it's not to help rehabilitate and educate our inmates. It's two way street people! Remember you have a job to help the inmates you believe need to be grateful to you! Think about it ... read more

I took an online class for MAT151 and i got an A in it. In the syllabus it says you MUST purchase the textbook and the access code from Rio Salado book store, which is not true. They literally lie to you and make you pay around $100 more. You can purchase the access code from MyMathLab and you don't need the book (but they don't tell you that in the syllabus.) The online course was pain in the A*$. When you do the homework, the video clips they use to help you with your homework are very old and sometimes won't even help you understand how to solve the problem. You can literally go to YouTube and access free videos that will help you understand the material 10 times faster and better than what you paid for. The testing center is pretty bad also. You will be sitting in a room with other students who are taking different tests for other classes and some students will be typing on their keyboards the whole time. They won't let you use a pen to use on the scratching paper and force you to use a pencil, which i hate so much. Chairs are old and if you make any move it will squeak. I got an A in this class thanks to YouTube and other websites that helped me for free. read more

I have a masters degree and I have taken courses through the other Maricopa Community Colleges. I would not recommend Rio Salado. I have had nothing but bad experiences with Rio Salado. They hire high school teachers that are already busy with their primary job. They are slow to respond to emails or adjust due dates. The syllabus are not unique per class with the exception of the assignment name. I have known a few people who had a B or C in the course and they were failed because they didn't reach an overall average on the midterm and final. If that is the case, weigh the midterm and final accordingly. How can a student fail if they have a B? Rio Salado is able to accrue students because they offer more online classes than the other community colleges. The difference is that the other colleges have better instructors. read more

Awesome school the professors here is very helpful and caring they want to help you achieve your goal

Read the BBB reviews and Facebook reviews before attending this college. Tons of complaints and zero resolutions. I am a former student, and will never return. There are too many problems that I've faced with this college to list. If you like being cheated out of your money and ignored by everyone who works here, then by all means, sign up and buckle up.... because you're able to embark on one heck of a ride, and it isn't a good one whatsoever. read more

I have always attended Maricopa Community Colleges and thought this would be great because of the flexibility with start dates but would NOT recommend attending here. They only care about how many people they can sign up for classes and not the student or students needs. I wanted to withdraw from a course and was told unless I provided proof of an illness or death in the family I was not able to do so. I wasn't even asking for a refund, just simply to withdraw and spoke to multiple people about my options and dates and was originally told I could but at the last minute was denied. I was told I had to finish out the course regardless of why I needed to withdraw (was not failing) and if I did not complete the coursework I would have an F on my transcripts instead of a W ( Staff originally said I would have a W). The program director is not even worth speaking to, completely rude and unprofessional. She knew what her staff had expressed to me and still refused to take accountability for the schools mistake. Don't waste your time here and save your money and go to another Maricopa Community College. read more

Testing here was awesome! Easy to access and testing area was neat, comfortable, and quiet. I love this college!

Worst college to ever exist. DO NOT GO HERE. Their office staff is nice but once you're in classes then NO ONE is helpful. Teachers are put on a script and cannot help you to the fullest. Go to literally any other school. CGCC, MCC, etc. and do their online courses. Don't don't don't don't don't don't do it to yourself. read more

I'm amazed that this school is allowed to continue "providing education". I have never had more difficulty with a course then I have with all their online classes. The material they provide is the bare minimum required of a school, their response time is pathetic (72 hours) considering you have new material each week and they can take 3 days to answer a question IF they respond in the 72 hours, often times they do not. Their material is often supplemented with you Youtube videos which provide more information then their own material. Hope those presenters are getting a cut of the money I had to pay to the college. read more

Shocked at the low ratings here. What exactly are you expecting? If you are at any of Arizona's 4 year colleges and would like to save your self a TON of money on general ed credits that don't matter AT ALL to your major. This is a GREAT place to do it. Would you rather spend $300 or $1300 on up? The choice is yours. Also - their web platform is amazing. If you have ever had the horror of dealing with BBLEARN (stone ages tech) at NAU, you'll be delighted with the Riolearn interface. My husband is doing as many credits as possible to transfer out to NAU through Rio Salado. It was actually recommended by the guidance counselor he spoke with at NAU. He's on his third class and we both give it 5 stars. read more

Rio Salado is one of the worst experiences I have ever had in my college career. You would think that a school which is 100% focused upon online computer would have the best technology to provide its students with the best online learning experience. I have taken online classes through Arizona State University and Paradise Valley Community College and nothing compares to the numerous blackouts, server failures, and "page load errors" I encountered with this school. I am a mac user and so are a million other people. it's not some rare, incompatible computer floating around in pawn shops and old computer stores in a dingy corner. many students are switching over to macs because they are more student friendly and tend to have a longer life and perform better than pc's. /end mac bias/ Rio Salado is extremely unfriendly to mac users. The first thing they tell you is to download something other than Firefox or Safari, the two most popular browsers for Macs. They "prefer" internet explorer. And they tell us Mac'ers to download yet another web browser, Opera, to function properly on their servers. I hate Opera, and don't want to have to downlaod anything more than I need. Even with Opera, I still get plenty of errors and have spoken with the technology help desk on at least 5 occasions in an 8 week course period. It is very frustrating when a system fails that your grade is dependent upon. I have to adjust my schedule around when Rio Salado Online is going to be functioning properly. Also, I tried to take a Spanish class this semester, and the notice under the course description said that the software they use is not compatible with mac computers. How unfair is that? Rio has been one of the worst learning experiences I have ever had. read more

**REVIEW UPDATE** -First impressions can be rather deceiving... -Took three online classes at Rio Salado...(Online Classes starting every Monday is appealing and convenient, but BUYER BEWARE). -Two Instructors were ok. -One VERY USELESS Instructor (no feedback to essay assignments, took over a week to grade assignment, no reply to emails, Lesson plans were not very clear, etc)....what a waste of money and time!!! -Online classes are very textbook heavy and essay intensive, I didn't learn ANYTHING! (read this and write this...no critial thinking). If you just want your degree and don't care to learn anything along the way, then it'll probably be fine for you. -If you are a right-brain learner, you'll probably dislike Rio's boring, dull classes. If you are a left-brain learner, you'll probably LOVE it! -Textbooks are made specific for Rio Salado. -I dropped my courses Rio Salado for next semester and signed up with MCC online if that tells you anything. read more