For the purposes of determining the level of eligibility of need for financial aid, 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 2021-2022 academic year (Fall and Spring). Budgets include appropriated figures for tuition and mandatory fees and estimated averages for room and board, 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 room and board 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 award can never exceed your estimated expenses. Students in the Physician Assistant program will have slightly higher expenses.

Room and Board amounts will vary if students report that they are living with parents. While Federal Financial Aid is meant to assist in the costs associated with obtaining a degree, they are 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 a student's financial need. While the amounts listed in the Cost of Attendance are close estimates, it is important to note students will only receive bills for tuition and charges to their student account. It is possible to attend Red Rocks Community College for less than the total amounts listed above.

During the awarding process, the cost of attendance is compared to the student's EFC to determine a student's financial need. Need based financial aid is awarded to students who show financial need. The total aid including scholarships and subsidized student loans cannot exceed the student's Cost of Attendance. Students can qualify for non-need based financial aid such as loans and scholarships. However, the amount of non-need based aid will only be given up to the student's 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

Effective Fall 2009 semester, RRCC will no longer provide paper bookstore vouchers for students to purchase books at the RRCC bookstore. Only students who have final financial aid awards that exceed their tuition and fees charges may purchase books against their financial aid award. Students who applied later than the RRCC priority date for the term they are enrolled in and who have not yet been awarded aid will need to make other arrangements to purchase books. Students who have a Direct Student Loan offer on their award letter must actually have applied for and been awarded the loan in order to be considered as having a final financial aid award. Click here on steps to apply for a student loan.

Unfortunately, emergency loans cannot be approved for bookstore purchases. Students who have been awarded aid will need to have a completed and signed TIV Form (Authorization for Bookstore Charges to be deducted from Financial Aid), which is available on the RRCC Financial Aid website here.

Tuition Disclaimer

During the 2020-21 academic year, some or all of the instructional formats may change due to an emergency situation affecting college operations, public safety, or public health, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Tuition and fees are charged at the beginning of the semester and will remain in place regardless of any changes in instructional format. Tuition and fees will not be refunded in the event the curriculum delivery format changes for any part of the 2020-21 academic year. 

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