At $9,356/yr net price, Red Rocks Community College graduates earn $46,288/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,288/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,356 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $37,424 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,288/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,288/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,312/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,490/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,079/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,719/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,048/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $88,637 | $9,500 |
| 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 | $13,600 |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
37.4% of students at Red Rocks Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Red Rocks Community College delivers strong financial returns for students who choose the right programs and complete their degrees. The $9,356 annual net price makes this one of Colorado's most affordable higher education options, with median debt of just $9,500 keeping financial risk low.
Your program choice determines everything here. Allied health students earn $88,637 ten years after enrollment, making the modest debt load disappear quickly. Criminal justice graduates also perform well at $60,623, while electrical and power transmission programs hit $49,683. Business administration rounds out the strong performers at $50,231. These numbers reflect Colorado's growing healthcare sector and skilled trades demand.
The major financial risk is the 37% graduation rate. If you don't finish, your investment yields nothing. The 100% retention rate suggests students who return for year two typically succeed, so your first-year performance predicts your financial outcome.
This school works best if you need affordable career training in high-demand fields like healthcare or skilled trades. The low cost structure benefits working adults and career changers who can't afford traditional four-year programs. You should look elsewhere if you want a bachelor's degree or plan to study liberal arts, as those paths show weaker earnings potential.
Only 19% of students receive financial aid, indicating most pay the already-low sticker price. This makes Red Rocks particularly attractive for middle-income families who don't qualify for need-based aid elsewhere but still need affordable education. Focus on completing your program rather than chasing additional scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Red Rocks Community College worth the money?
Red Rocks Community College offers solid value with a net price of $9,356 annually and median debt of just $9,500. However, the 37% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs, which significantly impacts ROI.
What are the highest paying programs at Red Rocks Community College?
Allied Health programs at Red Rocks Community College lead earnings at $88,637 annually, followed by Criminal Justice at around $55,000-$60,000. These programs justify the cost better than most other offerings at the school.
How much debt do Red Rocks Community College graduates have?
Red Rocks Community College graduates carry a median debt of $9,500, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load helps offset the relatively modest post-graduation earnings of $46,288.
Does Red Rocks Community College have a good graduation rate?
Red Rocks Community College has a 37% graduation rate, meaning nearly two-thirds of students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate is a major risk factor when considering the school's overall value.