Red Rocks Community College: $4,707 Tuition

$4,707Tuition

4,281Students

37%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$46,288Earnings

#12 in ColoradoPublic4-yearData: 2023-24

About Red Rocks Community College

Red Rocks Community College serves 4,281 students in suburban Lakewood with career-focused programs that connect directly to Denver metro workforce needs. The college specializes in workforce training that gets graduates job-ready fast. Nearly all students come from Colorado (99.13%), creating a tight-knit community of local learners. Classes run on a semester system with a student-faculty ratio of 26:1.

The financial picture looks promising for most students. Average net price sits at $9,356, but lower-income families pay much less through aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,312 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $46,288 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $9,500 very manageable. Monthly loan payments average only $101. The employment rate hits 96.4%, showing strong job placement success.

Red Rocks maintains nearly perfect retention with a 100% rate, though graduation rates reflect the community college reality of students transferring or entering the workforce early. The student body splits almost evenly between men (48.38%) and women (51.62%). Hispanic students make up nearly a quarter of enrollment (23.45%), reflecting Colorado's changing demographics. Only 19.31% receive Pell grants, suggesting many students come from working families seeking career advancement.

Academics & Faculty

Red Rocks Community College focuses heavily on career preparation and workforce training for the Denver metropolitan area. The college offers strong programs in health sciences, automotive technology, and culinary arts that connect directly to regional job markets. With a student-faculty ratio of 26:1, students work in larger class settings typical of community colleges. The 37% graduation rate reflects the practical nature of many programs, where students often complete certificates or transfer before finishing associate degrees. Nearly all students (99%) come from Colorado, creating a local focus that helps with internships and job placement. The college emphasizes hands-on learning that prepares graduates for immediate employment in growing industries.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 26:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 38.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 37.4%
Retention Rate: 100.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $46,288

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Certificate	$88,637
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$60,623
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Certificate	$54,361
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$50,231
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers.	Associate	$49,683
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$49,621
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$45,696
Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection.	Associate	$41,565
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$37,856
Fire Protection.	Associate	$30,554

View all 74 programs →

Campus Life

Red Rocks sits in Lakewood, just 15 minutes from downtown Denver, putting students right in the heart of Colorado's Front Range. With 99.13% of students from Colorado, the campus draws heavily from the local community. You'll definitely need a winter coat here - Denver gets real snow and temperatures that drop well below freezing from December through February, though sunny days are common year-round.

The 26:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of community colleges, but the suburban setting creates a commuter-focused environment. Most students work while attending classes, reflected in the school's emphasis on career training and workforce development. With 4,281 enrolled students, the campus has a practical, no-frills atmosphere where people come to learn specific skills and get to work. Weekends often mean heading into Denver for entertainment, outdoor activities in the nearby Rockies, or working part-time jobs. The Red Foxes don't have major athletic programs that dominate campus life - this is about preparing for careers in healthcare, trades, and business.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1969

Campus Safety (2023)

10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	5	2
Burglary	2	0
Aggravated Assault	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 21°–44°F
July Avg: 59°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 17.5"
Annual Snowfall: 58.0"

Student Demographics

Red Rocks draws working adults and recent high school graduates from across the Denver metro area, with 99% of students coming from Colorado. The college serves a diverse community where nearly one in four students is Hispanic, reflecting the changing demographics of the Front Range. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school's role as an affordable pathway for first-generation and lower-income students. The even gender split stems from Red Rocks' mix of traditionally male-dominated trades programs and female-heavy fields like healthcare and early childhood education.

Men: 48.4%
Women: 51.6%
White: 61.6%
Black: 2.7%
Hispanic: 23.5%
Asian: 3.2%
In-State Students: 99.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 19.3%

Location

Red Rocks Community College sits in Lakewood, Colorado, just 10 miles west of downtown Denver. The campus serves the western Denver metropolitan area, where 99.13% of students come from in-state. Lakewood offers suburban living with easy access to both urban amenities and Colorado's famous outdoor recreation. The foothills of the Rocky Mountains provide hiking, skiing, and climbing opportunities within a short drive. Students can reach downtown Denver by light rail or car in under 30 minutes. The location attracts working adults and recent high school graduates who want career training without leaving the Denver metro area. Students considering colleges in Colorado may also compare Red Rocks Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Lakewood, Colorado 80228-1255

Red Rocks Community College Main Entrance, Lakewood, Colorado

Red Rocks Community College West End Main Building, Lakewood, Colorado

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $46,288
Median Earnings (5 years): $54,020
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $34,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 44.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $101/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Red Rocks Community College?

Red Rocks Community College has open enrollment, meaning virtually all applicants are accepted as is typical for community colleges. The school maintains a 100% retention rate, indicating students who start typically continue their education. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students seeking affordable higher education in the Denver metro area.

How much does Red Rocks Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,356 annually, with costs varying by family income. Low-income students pay just $7,312 while those from families earning over $110,000 pay $18,048. Only 19.31% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the school's already affordable tuition structure.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Red Rocks Community College?

The student-faculty ratio is 26:1 among the college's 4,281 enrolled students. Red Rocks focuses heavily on career-focused programs and workforce training that prepare students for immediate employment in the Denver metro area. The college emphasizes practical skills development over traditional academic research.

What are the graduation rates at Red Rocks Community College?

The six-year graduation rate is 37.40% and the four-year rate is 37.97%, which are solid for a community college serving diverse student populations. Graduates earn a median of $46,288 ten years after enrollment with relatively low debt burdens of $9,500. The 96.4% employment rate demonstrates the college's success in workforce preparation.

Where is Red Rocks Community College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Lakewood, Colorado, a large suburb in the Denver metropolitan area. With 99.13% of students coming from in-state and a fairly even gender split of 51.62% women to 48.38% men, the college serves local working adults and recent high school graduates. The student body is 61.55% white and 23.45% Hispanic, reflecting Colorado's demographics.

Does Red Rocks Community College offer four-year degrees?

Despite being classified as a four-year institution in the data, Red Rocks Community College primarily offers associate degrees and certificate programs. Founded in 1969, the college has built its reputation on career training programs that connect directly to local industries. Students typically transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce after completing their programs.