Red Rocks Community College
Out-of-state tuition
$17,459
In-state $4,859
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
8,322
Student-faculty ratio 28:1
Peer median 18 : 1
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) is a distinguished institution located in Lakewood, Colorado, dedicated to providing high-quality education and fostering student success. Established in 1969, RRCC has developed a strong reputation for its commitment to accessible education and community engagement. The college offers a diverse range of programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and transfer options to four-year institutions, catering to the varied interests and career aspirations of its students. One of the college's standout features is its emphasis on experiential learning, which allows students to gain practical skills and apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
The college prides itself on its vibrant campus culture and supportive environment, which is reflected in its motto, "Your Future Starts Here." RRCC fosters a sense of community among its students, offering various clubs, organizations, and recreational activities that enhance the overall student experience. The college is also known for its strong focus on student services, providing resources such as academic advising, career counseling, and tutoring to help students navigate their educational journeys successfully. With a dedicated faculty who are experts in their fields, RRCC ensures that students receive personalized attention and guidance throughout their academic pursuits. Overall, Red Rocks Community College stands out as a nurturing institution that empowers students to achieve their goals and thrive in their chosen paths.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Red Rocks Community College
Red Rocks Community College has seen notable trends in several critical areas over the years. One significant observation is the increase in tuition fees for in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. For instance, from 2014 to 2024, in-state tuition rose from $3,154 to $4,707, a substantial increase of about 49%. Similarly, out-of-state tuition escalated from $12,053 to $16,947, marking an increase of approximately 41%. This upward trend in tuition reflects a broader pattern observed across many U.S. colleges and universities, where rising operational costs often lead institutions to increase tuition fees, impacting accessibility for many students.
Another compelling aspect is the fluctuation in student enrollment numbers. The college saw a decline in undergraduate students from 2013 to 2021, dropping from 9,031 to 5,932. However, there was a slight recovery in 2023 as enrollment increased to 6,375. This decline and subsequent recovery may highlight the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused many institutions to reevaluate their offerings and adapt to new educational demands.
Retention rates also tell an interesting story. The retention rate saw a peak in 2022 at 100%, a remarkable achievement that could indicate effective student support mechanisms. However, it dropped to approximately 86% in 2023, suggesting that maintaining student engagement and satisfaction is an ongoing challenge.
Lastly, the male-to-female ratio among undergraduate students has remained relatively balanced, with male students consistently representing around 47% to 51% of the undergraduate population. This gender balance is crucial for fostering diverse educational environments, which can enhance the learning experience for all students.
In summary, Red Rocks Community College demonstrates significant changes in tuition, enrollment, retention, and gender ratios, reflecting broader trends in higher education. These metrics not only provide insights into institutional performance but also highlight the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the college.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a large city
- Nearest major city
- Denver, about 15 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Denver International Airport (DEN), about 25 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Landon Pirius (President)
- Phone
- 3039146600
- Address
- 13300 W Sixth Ave, Lakewood, CO 80228-1255
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Physician Assistant · Master's33 (3% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Red Rocks Community College
The graduation data from Red Rocks Community College for 2023 reveals several noteworthy trends. Particularly striking is the dominance of the Liberal Arts and Sciences program, which accounted for 221 graduates with a substantial 2% of them being international students. This highlights the program's significance in providing a foundational education, catering to a diverse student body.
In contrast, fields like Computer and Information Systems Security and various engineering disciplines showed minimal graduation rates, with only a handful of students completing their studies. This raises questions about the accessibility and appeal of these programs, especially in a job market increasingly reliant on technology and engineering skills.
The health-related programs also present an interesting picture. Despite having no graduates earning bachelor’s or doctorate degrees, there were still notable numbers of associate degree graduates in areas such as Emergency Medical Technology and Medical/Clinical Assistance. This could signal a growing demand for practical medical training that leads directly to employment in essential health roles.
Moreover, the data indicates a complete absence of international students graduating from most programs, particularly in technical fields. This could reflect the institution's current recruitment strategies or potential barriers faced by international students in these areas.
Overall, the data signifies a need for curriculum and outreach evaluation, particularly in technical and specialized fields. As job markets evolve, aligning educational programs with industry demands will be crucial for enhancing student outcomes and ensuring a skilled workforce for the future.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $42,953 | |||
| General Studies. | $42,953 | |||
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other. | $42,953 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical/Clinical Assistant. | - | |||
| Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic). | $45,493-$113,416 | |||
| Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician. | $45,493-$113,416 | |||
| Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. | $45,493-$113,416 | |||
| Physician Assistant. | $45,493-$113,416 | |||
| Public Health, General. | - | |||
| Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | - | |||
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | |||
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | - | |||
| Real Estate. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections, General. | $80,900 | |||
| Criminal Justice/Police Science. | $80,900 | |||
| Fire Science/Fire-fighting. | - | |||
| Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Game Programming. | - | |||
| Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design. | - | |||
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | - | |||
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | - | |||
| Computer Support Specialist. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Photography. | - | |||
| Graphic Design. | - | |||
| Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology. | - | |||
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | - | |||
| Fine/Studio Arts, General. | - | |||
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | $41,161 | |||
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | $41,161 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician. | - | |||
| Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology/Technician. | - | |||
| Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Tool Technology/Machinist. | - | |||
| Welding Technology/Welder. | - | |||
| Woodworking, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthropology, General. | - | |||
| Economics, General. | - | |||
| Political Science and Government, General. | - | |||
| Sociology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General. | - | |||
| Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication, General. | - | |||
| Journalism. | - | |||
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Education. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French Language and Literature. | - | |||
| Spanish Language and Literature. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | - | |||
| Geology/Earth Science, General. | - |
Students
8,419 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 48:52
- Continuing undergraduates 2,670
- First-year undergraduates 545
- Graduate students 97
- Transfers and others 5,107
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (8,322)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Student Demographics at Red Rocks Community College in 2023
The student body at Red Rocks Community College in 2023 showcases a diverse range of individuals, with a total enrollment that reflects an interesting gender distribution across various classifications. Among undergraduate freshmen, there are 920 students, with a female representation of 52.3%, indicating a slightly higher enrollment of women compared to men. This trend continues among undergraduate seniors, where the numbers show an almost equal balance, with 49.7% male and 50.3% female students.
Transfer students also present a similar trend, with 703 individuals enrolled, where women make up 51.2% of the population. This consistent female majority across the undergraduate categories may suggest a growing trend of women pursuing higher education, a phenomenon observed nationwide.
In contrast, the graduate student demographic paints a different picture, with only 95 students enrolled, of which a significant 74.7% are women. This stark contrast highlights the increasing participation of women in graduate studies, which aligns with national shifts towards more female representation in advanced educational programs.
The ethnic breakdown of the student body is not fully available, but the numbers indicate a predominantly white demographic among all classifications, particularly in the undergraduate categories. This trend raises important questions about diversity and inclusion within the college, especially considering the broader societal movements advocating for the representation of minority groups in higher education.
Overall, Red Rocks Community College's student composition reflects broader trends in gender distribution within higher education, while also emphasizing the need for continued efforts to enhance diversity across all student groups.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Red Rocks Community College
The age distribution of students at Red Rocks Community College provides insightful perspectives on the demographic makeup of the student body. Notably, the largest cohort comprises students under 18 years old, with 707 male and 1,022 female students. This suggests a robust participation of younger individuals, likely reflecting high school students taking advantage of dual enrollment opportunities.
The 18-19 age group also shows a significant number of students, with 607 males and 615 females, indicating that many students transition directly from high school to college. It is interesting to note that as the age groups progress to 20-21 and 22-24, there is a decline in male undergraduate numbers, while female undergraduates remain relatively stable, suggesting that females may be more likely to continue their education without interruption.
The age range of 25-29 marks a shift, where we see the addition of graduate males and females, suggesting that older students are increasingly pursuing advanced degrees. This trend continues as we observe participation from students aged 30-34 and 35-39, though numbers decrease as age increases.
The data also reveals that there are minimal enrollments from students aged 50 and above, which may reflect barriers to entry for older adults in higher education. However, the presence of older students, particularly in the 25-29 and 30-34 age groups, indicates a growing trend of lifelong learning and professional development.
Overall, the data highlights the dynamic nature of the student population at Red Rocks Community College, characterized by a significant younger demographic while also accommodating older students seeking to enhance their educational credentials. This mix can enrich the learning environment and foster diverse perspectives in academic discussions.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
150 in 2025 · 1.7% in 2016
1 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2018
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Red Rocks Community College
The data on international student enrollment at Red Rocks Community College reveals a fluctuating trend over the years, particularly among undergraduate students. From 2004 to 2023, the percentage of international students in the undergraduate population has shown a gradual increase, peaking at approximately 1.74% in 2017 before experiencing a decline in subsequent years. The years 2018 to 2023 have seen a notable drop in both total and international undergraduate enrollments, with figures falling to around 1.44% by 2023.
The decline in international student numbers could be attributed to various external factors, including global events and changing immigration policies that may deter prospective students. Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted higher education systems worldwide, leading to decreased enrollment in many institutions. This trend is reflected in the sharp drop in total undergraduate enrollment to 5,932 in 2021, which may have influenced the international student ratio.
In contrast, the graduate student data, although limited, indicates a slight increase in the proportion of international students, reaching 1.05% in 2023. This could suggest that graduate programs at Red Rocks may be becoming more attractive to international candidates, possibly due to targeted recruitment efforts or the availability of specific programs that appeal to foreign students.
Overall, the data highlights the challenges and uncertainties faced by institutions in attracting international students, emphasizing the need for colleges like Red Rocks Community College to adapt strategies to enhance their appeal in a competitive global education market.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$34,244
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $17,459
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $4,859
- Room and board
- $16,785
- Graduate tuition
- $14,240
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 33% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 75%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$83.6M
Expenses$82.6M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Colorado School of MinesGolden · 4.4 mi
U.S. News #80
-
Regis UniversityDenver · 7.9 mi
U.S. News #276
-
University of DenverDenver · 10.4 mi
U.S. News #121
-
University of Colorado DenverDenver · 16.7 mi
U.S. News #236
-
University of Colorado BoulderBoulder · 20.9 mi
U.S. News #109
-
United States Air Force AcademyUSAF Academy · 50.9 mi
Liberal Arts #11
-
Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins · 59.2 mi
U.S. News #169
-
Colorado CollegeColorado Springs · 62.7 mi
Liberal Arts #34
-
University of WyomingLaramie · 112.2 mi
U.S. News #250
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Red Rocks Community College:
-
University of Denver - Ranked 124 in the 2024 US News rankings, the University of Denver is a private university known for its strong focus on research and a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
Colorado School of Mines - With a rank of 76, this public research university specializes in engineering and applied science, particularly in the fields of energy, minerals, and materials.
-
University of Colorado Boulder - Ranked 105, this public research university offers a wide range of programs and is noted for its vibrant campus life and strong emphasis on sustainability.
-
Regis University - This private university, ranked 260, emphasizes a values-based education and offers various undergraduate and graduate degrees, catering to a diverse student body.
-
United States Air Force Academy - Ranked 7, this prestigious military academy trains future leaders of the U.S. Air Force and provides a rigorous academic curriculum alongside military training.
-
University of Wyoming - With a rank of 216, this public research university offers a wide range of programs and is known for its beautiful campus and commitment to student success.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are well-regarded in their respective fields.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Red Rocks Community College
The crime statistics at Red Rocks Community College over the years present a noteworthy trend. The data reveals a significant decrease in the average number of incidents per 1,000 students from 2013 to 2021, with the lowest recorded rate being 0.00 in 2021. This decline could be attributed to a variety of factors, including improved campus security measures, increased awareness and prevention programs, and a general commitment to creating a safe educational environment.
However, the data from 2022 and 2023 indicates a concerning spike in crime rates, with an average of 3.83 incidents per 1,000 students reported in 2023. This sudden rise, particularly after years of decline, raises questions about the potential causes, such as changes in policy, shifts in student behavior, or external societal influences. The increase in reported incidents may also reflect a growing willingness among students to report crimes, indicating improved trust in campus safety protocols.
Among the various types of offenses, the presence of incidents related to firearms, drugs, and alcohol highlights ongoing concerns that colleges face nationwide. It is essential for the institution to analyze these trends closely and develop strategies to address the resurgence in crime rates effectively. Additionally, fostering a collaborative environment between students and campus security can be vital in maintaining a safe educational atmosphere.
As we reflect on these statistics, it is crucial to remember that safety is a shared responsibility, and continuous efforts are necessary to cultivate a secure campus environment. For more insights on crime rate calculation methods, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Methods.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.