What Is It Known For?
Technical College of the Rockies (TCR), located in Delta, Colorado, is renowned for its strong emphasis on technical and vocational education, offering hands-on training across various trades. TCR is not part of a larger state community college system, but rather a public institution overseen by the Delta County Joint School District #50J Board of Education. With a small, close-knit student body of around 100 students each year, TCR has been serving its community since its founding in 1964, helping to build a skilled workforce for over 50 years.
Degrees & Certifications
Technical College of the Rockies offers a wide selection of programs, including:
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
- Automotive Service Technician
- Barbering
- Cosmetology
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Law Enforcement Academy
- Medical Assistant
- Nurse Aide
- Veterinary Assistant
Class Schedules
TCR offers flexible class schedules to accommodate the needs of its students. There are morning, afternoon, and evening classes available. While some courses may offer a hybrid format with online components, most programs emphasize in-person, hands-on training. Many of the healthcare programs include externships or practical experience components to give students real-world exposure and training.
Is It Legit?
Yes, Technical College of the Rockies is a legitimate institution. It is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), a national accrediting body for career and technical education.
Acceptance Rate
According to the U.S. Department of Education, Technical College of the Rockies has an open admissions policy, meaning that students who meet the basic application requirements are generally accepted.
How Much Does It Cost (Tuition)?
Tuition at Technical College of the Rockies varies by program and is charged per credit hour. General programs cost $96 per credit hour, while the Law Enforcement Academy is $124 per credit hour. For Emergency Medical Services and Nursing Aide programs, the rate is $102 per credit hour.
Additional fees for materials, books, and other costs may also apply. For a detailed estimate of costs and to explore financial aid options, you can use their Net Price Calculator.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- CNA
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- EMT
- Medical Assistant
- Patient Care Tech
- Phlebotomy
- Surgical Tech
- Vet Assistant
Skilled Trades
- Automotive
- Building Maintenance
- Electrical
- Carpentry
Professional Services
- Barber
- Cosmetology
- Esthetician
- Nail Tech
Campus Locations
Montrose 87 Merchant Dr Montrose, CO 81401
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, the Technical College of the Rockies (TCR) is primarily valued as a local resource for quality, hands-on services and a convenient option for technical education, though it faces criticism for its online programs and initial admissions communication.
Overall Score: 4.5/5 Stars
Common Praises
High-Quality Salon/Cosmetology Services: The most frequent and detailed positive reviews are for the cosmetology services, including haircuts, colors, and facials. Students and instructors are described as “friendly, cheerful, well educated,” and giving “excellent” results for a “great price.” This indicates strong, hands-on training in the program.
Good Technical Departments and Transfer Value: The college is praised as a “Good local college to earn college credits,” with specific mention of the automotive department being a “very good place for both students and customers.” Older reviews note it is a great place to start a college career as credits are transferable.
Friendly and Supportive On-Campus Atmosphere: Reviewers consistently describe the overall environment and staff as “Great school and friendly staff” and where “instructors always there.“
Common Criticisms
Lack of Transparency in the Admissions Process: A significant recent criticism (a year ago) points to a “lack of information… provided by admissions in the beginning,” leading to the belief that getting students enrolled is not as important as making money. The reviewer suggests a better system is needed to determine qualification before students “start spending money.“
Poor Online Program Quality: A detailed complaint notes that the online certification programs “aren’t great.” The program is described as a “strange mix of easy computer skills and difficult unexplained medical terms” and not user-friendly, suggesting the online format is not well-developed or supported.
Program Cuts and Unsolicited Contact: A student requested the return of the LPN program, indicating a desired program was cut. Another complaint mentioned the college “bugging my hubby, talking about he don’t do nothing,” suggesting potential issues with student follow-up or debt collection practices.
Momentum
The most recent reviews (within the last year and six months) are split between specific program praise and institutional criticism. The positive momentum is driven by the continued strong, specific praise for the cosmetology services (a perm and a haircut) and the staff who provided them. The negative momentum is driven by the recent, serious complaint about a lack of information and poor administrative follow-through in admissions, indicating that front-end communication and transparency remain an issue for prospective students.