For the purposes of determining the maximum amount of financial aid an eligible student could receive, RRCC follows the Colorado Commission on Higher Education and federal guidelines to develop an estimated, average Cost Of Attendance (budget). The budgets are estimates of the educational expenses incurred by students for enrolled semesters during the 2023-2024 academic year (Fall and Spring). Budgets include appropriated figures for tuition and mandatory fees and estimated averages for housing and food, books and supplies, transportation, and personal (miscellaneous) expenses as determined by the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE). Remember; these are estimated averages; your costs may vary.

NOTE: Masters of Physician Assistant (MPAS) students will have a separate cost of attendance.

** These figures assume that you live with relatives. If you will live in your own housing away from relatives, the housing and food expenses are slightly higher. Other expenses that you might incur are specific course fees, child care expenses, and additional supplies. The above are average costs. Please be aware that your own costs may vary based on enrollment. Your financial aid offer can never exceed your estimated expenses/budget. Students in the Physician Assistant program will have slightly higher expenses.  Contact the RRCC Financial Aid Office if you have childcare or computer expenses and would like us to consider increasing your cost of attendance.

While federal financial aid is meant to assist in the costs associated with obtaining a degree, it is not intended to maintain a standard of living. When making plans regarding your education, keep in mind there may be a significant difference between what you are awarded versus what you would need to maintain a certain standard of living.

How the Cost of Attendance is used and how financial need is determined:

A student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is derived from the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and reported on the Student Air Report (SAR). This EFC number represents a starting point in determining your financial need. While the amounts listed in the Cost of Attendance are close estimates, it is important to note that you will only receive bills for tuition and fees directly charged to your student account. It is possible to attend Red Rocks Community College for less than the total amounts listed above.

During the process of offering financial aid, the cost of attendance is compared to your EFC to determine your financial need. Need-based financial aid is offered to students who show financial need. The total aid including scholarships and subsidized student loans cannot exceed your Cost of Attendance. You may qualify for non-need based financial aid such as loans and scholarships. However, the amount of non-need based aid will only be offered up to the your EFC number.

Example:
Cost of Attendance (Colorado resident)    $16,804
Less Estimated Family Contribution (EFC)  -10,000
Total Financial Need                                $6,804

Bookstore Purchases for Students with Financial Aid

If your accepted and authorized financial aid exceeds your tuition and fees charges, you may charge the cost of your books (up to $750) against your financial aid at the campus bookstore. If you have applied later than the RRCC priority date for the term you are attending and have not yet accepted financial aid, you may need to make other arrangements to purchase books. Offered Federal Direct Student Loans must be accepted, and the Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling must be completed by you to be included in your available financial aid for this purpose. Click here on steps to apply for a student loan.

To use your expected financial aid refund at the campus bookstore before classes begin, submit the TIV Form to the Financial Aid Office (Authorization for Bookstore Charges to be deducted from Financial Aid), which is available on the RRCC Financial Aid website here.

top