Rio Salado College and ACE Partner to Expand Student Opportunities in Education

This release was provided by Rio Salado College.

Tempe, AZ – September 14, 2023 – Rio Salado College and American College of Education® (ACE) are excited to announce a collaborative effort that will enhance educational pathways for students in Arizona and beyond. This partnership will enable Rio Salado College students to seamlessly transfer their credits toward earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree at ACE, providing greater accessibility and flexibility in pursuing higher education. The two institutions will celebrate the collaboration during a signing ceremony at Rio Salado College on September 18.

The agreement reflects a shared commitment to accessible and quality education. Through this collaboration, students who have completed their coursework at Rio Salado College will have a smooth transition to ACE’s respected programs, paving the way for further academic achievement and professional development. The degrees offered align with the demands of the education, nursing, healthcare and business fields, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of these industries.

President Kate Smith of Rio Salado College expressed her enthusiasm saying, “Our partnership with ACE underscores our dedication to providing students with diverse and adaptable educational opportunities that equip them for success. This collaboration ensures a seamless educational journey, empowering our students to reach their academic goals.”

Geordie Hyland, President and CEO of ACE, echoed President Smith’s sentiment, highlighting the alignment of the institutions’ visions.

“At ACE, our mission is to provide a world-class education that is accessible to as many individuals as possible to address the human capital shortages we face in a variety of sectors nationwide. Partnering with Rio Salado College is another way to cultivate accessibility to help facilitate career pathways for their students. We look forward to the opportunities that working together will bring in the future.”

About American College of Education

American College of Education (ACE) is an accredited, 100% online college specializing in high-quality, affordable programs in education, business, leadership, healthcare and nursing. ACE is ranked #2 on Newsweek’s 2023 top online colleges list. Headquartered in Indianapolis, ACE offers more than 80 innovative and engaging programs for adult students to pursue a doctorate, specialist, master’s or bachelor’s degree, along with micro-credentials and graduate-level certificate programs. In addition to being a leader in online education, ACE is a Certified B Corporation.

About Rio Salado College

Rio Salado College is one of ten Maricopa Community Colleges and one of the largest online public community colleges in the nation, serving more than 35,000 students annually with more than 18,000 online in 50 states. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, Rio Salado College offers nearly 600 online classes, 135+ degree and certificate programs and general education courses. The college also provides support for dual enrollment, military and incarcerated students, and serves as the largest provider of adult education in Arizona.