Red Rocks Community College

What Is It Known For?

Red Rocks Community College, founded in 1969, is a public two-year college in Lakewood, Colorado. It’s not part of a larger state network but serves its local community with campuses in Lakewood and Arvada. The school welcomes about 1,800 undergraduate students each year and prides itself on providing affordable education, with some of the lowest tuition rates in Colorado.

The college offers a wide range of programs, including degrees and certificates in high-demand fields. Students can choose from popular areas such as health careers and computer technology, as well as many other optionsdesigned to prepare graduates for today’s job market.

Degrees & Certifications

Red Rocks Community College offers a wide range of programs to help students advance their careers. These include short courses, certificate programs, and full degrees. The college focuses on fields with high job demand, giving students practical skills for the workforce.

Here’s a sample of the programs available:

  • Health Careers
  • Auto Collision Repair Technology
  • Chemistry
  • Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
  • Economics
  • Computer Technology
  • Philosophy
  • Fire Science
  • Journalism
  • Law Enforcement

Class Schedules

Red Rocks Community College offers a variety of class schedules to suit different student needs. You can find morning, afternoon, and evening classes, as well as online and traditional classroom options. Some courses even blend both approaches.

The college also provides weekend and self-paced classes for those with busy schedules. Many programs include hands-on learning through clinical experiences or externships. For exact details on a program’s schedule and format, check the school’s website or talk to an advisor.

Is It Legit?

Yes. Red Rocks Community College is a legitimate institution. The school is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. Some programs also have programmatic accreditation from respectable institutions like:

Acceptance Rate

Red Rocks Community College maintains an open admission policy. This means that it has a 100% acceptance rate.

How Much Does Tuition Cost?

According to the school’s website, in-state students studying from home should expect to pay around $4,340 for tuition and fees. For out-of-state students taking classes from home, the estimated cost rises to about $15,990. Keep in mind that these figures are estimates and might vary.

For the most accurate information, it’s always best to use the school’s net price calculator.

Programs & Courses

Healthcare

  • Dental Assisting
  • Integrative Health Professions
  • Medical Assisting
  • Medical Office Administration
  • Nursing
  • Phlebotomy
  • Physician Assistant
  • Radiologic Technology
  • Sonography

Legal / Law

  • Criminal Justice
  • Law Enforcement

Skilled Trades

  • Auto Collision
  • Automotive Service Technology
  • Carpentry
  • CNC Machining
  • HVAC
  • Electrical
  • EMT
  • Engineering
  • Fire Science
  • Plumbing
  • Woodworking
  • Welding

Professional Services

  • Cosmetology
  • Culinary Arts

Technology

  • Computer Technology
  • Graphics Technology
  • Multimedia Graphic Design

Campus Locations

Arvada 10280 W 55th Ave. Arvada, CO 80002

Lakewood 13300 W 6th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80228

Reviews

Based on local Google reviews, Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) in Lakewood, CO, is widely recognized for its beautiful location, strong academic programs (especially in STEM and trades), and excellent instructors. However, its overall rating is consistently pulled down by severe and persistent issues within its administrative and financial aid offices.

Overall Score: 4.0/5 Stars

Common Praises

Exceptional Instructors and Education Quality (STEM/Trades): Instructors, especially in the Science, Math, and Flexible Automation Robotics departments, are frequently called “top-notch,” “very qualified,” and instrumental in establishing a strong educational foundation for students who later transfer to four-year universities. Students often say the quality of education is very high.

Beautiful Campus and Amenities: The campus is described as “the most beautiful” visited by some reviewers, well-maintained, and boasts “absolutely stunning” views. Campus amenities like the gym, a great climbing wall, the student relaxation center, and free tutoring are highly appreciated.

High-Value Career Training: The college is praised as an “amazing resource for the Colorado community” for those starting a career in the trades or seeking certification, such as the EMT program, which is noted for its success.

Accommodating for Online/Non-Traditional Students: Several reviews from parents and distance learners praised the clear, well-taught, and manageable online curriculum, making it a good choice for those needing flexible options.

Common Criticisms

Severe Administrative and Financial Aid Incompetence: This is the most consistent and detailed complaint across years of reviews. Students report that the financial aid office is unprofessional, “least transparent,” and frequently makes errors, including repeatedly telling loan providers that students were not enrolled when they were.

Poor Communication and Disorganized Advising: Reviewers describe a lack of coordination (“The left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing”) and poor service from the main offices. Problems include difficulty getting transcripts, delayed registration issues, being unhelpful after classes were canceled, and one student being informed a degree program was being canceled after they had started the required gen ed classes.

Inconsistent Academic Rigor and Quality: Some students complained that specific courses, particularly in Math and Chemistry, were “impossible to pass,” suggesting inconsistent grading standards or instruction. Additionally, some online courses were criticized as being “un-taught” with no instructor engagement.

Perceived Ideological/Political Bias in Classes: A few reviewers expressed discomfort with certain classes, such as Environmental Ethics and U.S. History, which they felt were meant to create activists or promoted a biased, overly negative view of history.

Limited Services for Full-Time Workers: One reviewer noted that there are “Not many amenities for people who work full time,” specifically mentioning that it was impossible to see an advisor in person after 4 p.m.

Momentum

The momentum for RRCC is polarized. Recent reviews (within the last few months) reinforce both the extreme positives (the “special place in my heart” sentiment for the campus and successful degree completion) and the extreme negatives (new complaints about unprofessionalism in the ESL department and administrative offices). This suggests that while the quality of instruction and campus environment remains excellent in many areas, the fundamental issues within the administrative and financial aid departments are long-standing and continue to be a significant, unresolved source of student frustration.