Rigel received his undergraduate education at Youngstown State University, graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Rigel’s education included trips abroad to Jamaica and Toronto, Canada. During college, Rigel served as Head Delegate to the Model United Nations and President of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. Rigel was named to the Dean’s List numerous times and was the recipient of several scholarships. He was awarded membership to "Who’s Who in America’s Colleges and Universities," the Omicron Delta Kappa National Honorary Society, and was an Athletic All-American.
Rigel is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and is licensed to practice before all Ohio Courts as well as before the Federal Court for the Northern District of Ohio.