General Eligibility Requirements

Financial Aid at RRCC is committed to helping you attend college successfully. Most students qualify for some type of financial aid, and we encourage you to apply!

U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is required for you to be considered for all types of financial aid, including grants, work-study and student loans. 

Many types of financial aid are awarded based on need and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply for fall by our priority deadline of April 15th each year to be considered for the best types of aid.  Our awarding policy is based on federal methodology using the EFC (Expected Family Contribution) from your FAFSA to determine what types of aid you may receive. In order to be awarded any type of financial aid, you must complete a new FAFSA each academic year that you attend RRCC. Awards are made for the academic year:  Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.

General eligibility requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen with a valid Social Security number or an eligible non-citizen as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Have a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
  • Be enrolled as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program. Certificates must be at least 16 credits in length to qualify for federal aid. Contact us to see if you qualify for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Grant if you're a Colorado resident seeking a certificate that is fewer than 16 credits in length.
  • Be meeting RRCC's Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.
  • Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe money on a federal grant.
  • Not be receiving financial aid at another school during the same semester that you are attempting to receive aid at RRCC.
  • Financial aid cannot pay for the third attempt of a class that you have previously passed.

Most types of aid require that you enroll in at least 6 credits and grant amounts change depending on how many credits you take.  For half-time enrollment, expect to receive about 50% of your offered grant amount.  For 3/4 enrollment, expect to receive about 75% of your offered grant for the term. If you are enrolled in fewer than 6 credits, check with Financial Aid to see if you qualify for Federal Pell Grant funds.

Enrollment level:

12 + Credits

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Full-Time

9-11 Credits

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Three Quarter Time

6-8 Credits

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Half Time

Under 6 Credits

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Less Than Half Time*

* The majority federal and state aid programs require at least half time enrollment.

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