STEP 1: Apply to RRCC

If you haven't done so yet, please apply to RRCC to set up your student account.

STEP 2: Apply for your Education Benefits

If it’s your first-time using benefits, you need to apply with the VA.

STEP 3: Complete the mandatory RRCC New Student Orientation

The orientation is completed on The Rock under the Student tab and required for all new students.

STEP 4: Apply for and Authorize College Opportunity Fund (COF)

COF is required for CH 31 VR&E and most beneficial for CH 30, 35 & 1606 to lower your tuition bill.

1. Apply for COF which saves $104 per credit for students who qualify for in-state tuition. All military-affiliated students are eligible for in-state tuition at RRCC. If you are classified as a non-resident and want to make sure you are getting the in-state tuition rate, email us at veteran.services@rrcc.edu.
2. Authorize COF in The Rock. Once you’ve authorized RRCC to request the COF stipend, that should carry over each semester. However, you should review your tuition bill each semester to ensure the COF stipend has been applied.

STEP 5: Potential Free Money – Grants and Scholarships (optional but recommended)

In most cases, you are able to collect Financial Aid, Grants and VA/DoD 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. Meet with Financial Aid if you need more information or help applying. There are progress requirements for Federal financial aid. Remember that loans must be repaid and are not free money.
2. RRCC School Code – 009543
3. Check out RRCC's Scholarship Foundation.

STEP 6: Transcript Evaluation

VA Education Benefits REQUIRE that your previous education be evaluated for transfer credit.
Joint Services Transcripts (JSTs) will be automatically evaluated, if applicable. This evaluation will happen during your first semester at RRCC (effective Fall 2023).
College Transcripts including Community College of the Air Force

1. Order an official copy of your transcript(s) sent to RRCC at:

   Student Records
   Box 8 Red Rocks Community College
   13300 W 6th Ave
   Lakewood, CO 80228-1255
   student.records@rrcc.edu

2. Verify that your declared program is correct by checking your account in Navigate or DegreeCheck on The Rock Dashboard.
3. Submit the Request for an Official Transcript Evaluation form.

The transcript evaluation process can take up to 6 weeks once everything is received. It’s important to start this process early. If you need to request a prerequisite override before your official transcripts are evaluated, complete the Prerequisite Override Request.

STEP 7: Placement Tests (required if VA is paying for a developmental English or Math class)

You must justify the need for developmental English or Math classes (start with a “0”; example: MAT 0300) when using VA/DoD education benefits. The only way to justify these classes is to complete the placement tests. RRCC has two options for completing this requirement: self-guided assessments and Accuplacer.

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

STEP 8: Register for Classes

Register for classes on The Rock. Keep in mind that VA will only pay for classes required for your declared program.

STEP 9: Request Certification

Once you have settled your class schedule, you will need to request certification by completing the Certification Request form on the Military Benefits tab of The Rock. This must be done EVERY semester. You can submit it immediately after registering for classes, but it’s best if you wait until you’ve settled your class selections. More detailed instructions on how to complete this form can be found at Request for VA Certification.

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

STEP 10: Check your Student Email Regularly.

Your student email is activated after registering for classes. It is essential that you check your student email account regularly or have it forwarded to an account that you do check often. 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.

Accessibility Services

The role of Accessibility Services is to remove barriers for students with disabilities by providing support and accommodations. Disabilities can be physical, psychological, developmental, related to learning or health related.
Contact Accessibility Services to schedule an intake appointment.

*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill