Prospective students intending to use Veteran (VA) benefits need to apply through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Apply for Veteran (VA) Benefits

• Prospective students intending to use military Tuition Assistance (TA) benefits should speak with their Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within their Military Service before enrolling.
   
• For further assistance or questions, contact the RRCC Military and Veteran Services Department:
  Website: Veteran Services
  Phone: 303-914-6127
  Email: RRCC.Veteran.Services@rrcc.edu

Get started by completing the free online application. Use the Create Account option on the Welcome page and continue to complete the full application. Use the Create Account option on the Welcome page and continue to complete the full application. 

Complete the Online Application

Students may receive an ID verification link with instructions on how to complete the process. This step helps protect your account and prevent identity theft. If you receive the link, please complete the verification within 24 hours.

Not all students will receive this message—if your identity was successfully verified through your initial application, no further action is required.
 

Things to consider:

Dual/Multiple Objectives

• Beginning January 1, 2026, student using VA education benefits may not have courses certified toward dual/multiple objectives (for example, a degree and a certificate, or two certificates) unless the program combination has been reviewed and approved by the State Approving Agency (SAA).
  • If you intend on enrolling in a dual/multiple objective, please email RRCC.Veteran.Services@rrcc.edu for a list of approved combinations BEFORE MEETING WITH A PATHWAY ADVISOR!
  • NOTE: Dual Degrees (ex. An AAS and AAS,  or an AS and BAS) do not require special approval! 

Eligible Programs and Courses

• All of RRCC’s degree and certificate programs are eligible for VA Education Benefits. Eligible programs and classes are subject to change
   
• The following classes are not eligible:
  • OUT 2002 – Open Water Diver; OUT 2003 – Adv Open Water Diver; OUT 2005 – Divemaster; OUT 2007 – Open Water Scuba Instructor; OUT 2300 – Rescue Diver; OUT 2220 – Outdoor Education Leadership 

Online: Learn at your own pace by completing the Required College Overview! Follow the steps below for instructions on how to access the online information:

• Step 1: Log on to The Rock with your S#
  Your temporary password is Student followed by your date of birth: StudentMMDDYYYY
  
  Go to The Rock
   
• Step 2: Click on “Required College Overview” at the bottom of the page

Need help? We are here to support you! Learn how to schedule an appointment with an Admissions Counselor

Watch this short video on how to schedule an appointment in Navigate or View the step-by-step instructions.

It is highly recommended that you authorize your COF stipend each term. 

• Montgomery GI Bill ® Active Duty - Chapter 30, Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606), and Survivors' & Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) should consider applying as it will lower your tuition bill. 
   

Apply for and Authorize the College Opportunity Fund (COF)

In most cases, you are able to collect Financial Aid, Grants and VA education benefits at the same time.

1. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online.  This form determines your eligibility for Federal financial aid. RRCC School Code - 009543
   
   Learn More About Financial Aid
    
2. Check Out Scholarship Opportunities

Prior education and military training must be evaluated for potential transfer credit when using VA educational benefits. Applicable credits will be applied to your Degree Check found on “The Rock”. 

If you have any questions about your evaluation, please email student records directly at student.records@rrcc.edu.

Joint Service Transcripts

• During your first semester, Military and Veteran Services will request an official Joint Services Transcript (JST) on your behalf and send them to RRCC Student Records for an official evaluation.

Air Force Students (CCAF)

• Students who previously served in the Air Force must request their Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcripts themselves. An official CCAF transcript can be requested through Air University Transcript Requests and sent directly to Red Rocks Community College for evaluation. 

Other Transcripts

• Order an official copy of your transcript(s) from your prior institution and have them sent to RRCC at: 
  
  Student Records, Box 8
  Red Rocks Community College
  13300 W 6th Ave Lakewood, CO 80228-1255  
  
  student.records@rrcc.edu
   
• Once Red Rocks Community College receives your official transcript, we will begin evaluating your transfer credits. This process can take up to 30 days but does not need to be completed before you register for classes.
   

• Submit your Prerequisite Override Request to override completed prerequisites needed for courses you are planning to register for. We can use an unofficial transcript to override prerequisites so that you can register for classes on time. The full name of the institution, the full name of the student, the academic term in which the credits were earned, and the final grades received must be visible to be considered for override prerequisite requirements. Plan ahead! This process can take up to 5 business days. 

  Submit your Request

The VA requires that developmental English or Math classes (courses starting with a “0”) be supported by placement testing or other documented academic assessments. RRCC has two options for completing this requirement:

• Accuplacer Test
• English Self-Guided Assessment
• Math Guided Self-Placement

REMINDER: for VA benefits, developmental courses must be 100% on-campus. Check for “Classroom Based” sections when registering. 

• The VA requires that all courses apply directly to a student’s declared degree or certificate program in order to be funded through VA education benefits. 

Because of this, meeting with your Pathway Advisor is recommended prior to registration. An Advisor will help you select courses, identify course prerequisites, obtain program information, evaluate placement results, assist with transfer planning to a four-year college or university, and prepare you for graduation. 

• Log into Navigate or call the Advising Front Desk at 303-914-6275 to schedule an appointment.
   
• Watch this short video on how to schedule an appointment in Navigate or View the step-by-step instructions.
  
  

REMINDER: If you are a dual/multiple objective student (i.e., you are enrolled in both a degree and certificate, or two certificate programs), please email RRCC.Veteran.Services@rrcc.edu or call 303-914-6127 BEFORE YOUR MEETING WITH AN ADVISOR.  

Accessibility Services works with students who have disabilities and learning differences to provide access to courses, programs and activities through accommodations and supports.

• Use Navigate to plan out your entire time at RRCC! Explore academic programs with Major Explorer, find important to-do’s, and drag and drop courses into different semesters to see your exact path to graduation.

  • Watch this short video on how to schedule an appointment in Navigate or View the step-by-step instructions.

• REMINDER: The VA requires that all courses apply directly to a student’s declared degree or certificate program in order to be funded through VA education benefits. DegreeCheck is the best tool for checking course applicability and can be accessed on the Dashboard of The Rock.
   
• Once registered, visit the bookstore. Click Textbooks at the top of the page to see what books you may need for your specific classes. You can also call the bookstore for more information and price matching at 303-914-6232.  
  
  Visit the Bookstore

Once you have settled your class schedule, you will need to request certification by completing the Certification Request form on the Military Benefits card of The Rock.

• This must be done EVERY semester.
   
• You can submit it immediately after registering for classes
  
  Learn More About the VA Certification Form

NOTE: RRCC does not require a copy of your Certification of Eligibility (COE) or DD214 except under rare circumstances. 

New Student Orientation (NSO) is your official introduction to our college community. This essential program is designed to help you transition smoothly into college life, providing you with all the tools, resources, and connections you need to start your academic journey on the right foot.   

Register for an upcoming New Student Orientation

• Your student email is activated after registering for classes and can be accessed on The Rock. It is essential that you check your student email account regularly or have it forwarded to an account that you do check often. Forwarding options are under the settings area of your student email.
• Your student email account is the primary means of communication from the school to you. Forgetting to check your student email is not a valid excuse for missing important information.

To access your student email, log into The Rock and click on Student Email.

You will also need the MFA (Microsoft Authenticator) app on your mobile device. You won’t be able to log into your email before setting this up.

• Click here to download the app
• Click here for step-by-step instructions  

Your student email address will end in @student.cccs.edu.  

• Get your student ID from the Student Life offices at both the Lakewood and Arvada Campuses: Monday-Thursday: 8:00am–5:00pm. Appointments are encouraged and walk-ins may be accommodated. For evening hours, please make an appointment request through Navigate.
   
• Watch this short video on how to schedule an appointment in Navigate or View the step-by-step instructions.