Application Process & Deadlines
Most Financial Aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. To assure your application is processed and awarded prior to the first day of class, Priority Dates have been established.
Steps to Apply for Financial Aid
Students can still apply for federal aid throughout the academic year however; it is strongly recommended you submit your application prior to the established priority date in order to have your aid accounted for when student bills are processed.
Step 1: Create an FSA ID username and password
- You'll need your FSA ID to electronically sign your FAFSA and to access all Department of Education Federal Student Aid websites.
- Parents of dependent students must also create their own FSA ID. View the Parent's Guide to Important Financial Aid Information.
- Your FSA ID will also allow you to check the status of your FAFSA or to make online changes to your FAFSA.
Step 2: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- For priority consideration, RRCC must have received your FAFSA and any additional paperwork by April 15th for the upcoming fall semester. If you miss this priority date, you should still submit a FAFSA as soon as possible.
- To send your FAFSA to RRCC, use our school code: 009543.
- Whenever possible, use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool option provided in the FAFSA to link your tax information directly to your FAFSA. This will save you time and simplify the process. You may report estimated tax and income information on your FAFSA if necessary, and you will be given the opportunity to make corrections after the Department of Education processes your initial application.
- Sign and submit the FAFSA, even if you are in the process of applying for admission.
- If you would like help with the FAFSA, schedule an appointment for FAFSA Assistance using Navigate, call 303-352-TRIO, or email EOC@ccd.edu.
Priority Deadline
The priority deadline to receive first-come, first-served funding is April 15 for the upcoming Fall semester. The deadline to complete a FAFSA for a prior aid year is June 30.
Deadlines for applying
The U.S. Department of Education will process your FAFSA if received before June 30 of the current academic year, but you need to complete your RRCC financial aid file at least 2 weeks before the semester begins in order to have the best chance of being awarded before the payment deadline. This means you'll need to complete your FAFSA and have it sent to RRCC at least 1 month before classes start, to help ensure you're awarded in time for the payment deadline.
If you have not set up a payment plan, and you don't have enough accepted financial aid on file to cover your tuition and fees balance by the published payment deadline, you will be charged a $40 late fee. You will NOT be dropped from your classes for non-payment.
The FAFSA for the upcoming school year starting in fall comes out on October 1st each year, so apply online and submit any required documentation to us as soon as possible.
Some "free" grant money that you don't have to repay is first-come, first-served. Apply by April 15th each year for the best chance of receiving work-study and limited grant funds.
Financial Aid Paperwork Acceptance Deadlines
The RRCC Financial Aid Office must receive all completed documents by the following dates:
Fall: December 1
Spring: May 1
Summer: July 15
Helpful Links
Create a FSA ID
You'll need your FSA ID to electronically sign your FAFSA and to access all Department of Education Federal Student Aid websites.
Complete the FASFA
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can be submitted online.
Parents Guide to Financial Aid
Parent's Guide to Important Financial Aid Information.
College Opportunity Fund
Colorado Residents should be sure that they have applied for the College Opportunity Fund Stipend (COF) for an extra $40/credit hour taken off of your tuition bill.
Scholarships & Awards
RRCC offers more than 100 federal, state, college, and private scholarships and awards. Contact the Financial Aid office at 303.914.6256 for more information or email your questions to finaid@rrcc.edu
Schedule an Appointment
To schedule a virtual appointment for help completing the financial aid application (FAFSA), email us or call 303-352-TRIO.
Tuition Savings
Becoming a student at RRCC prepares you for transfer to a four-year university, prepares you for an exciting new career or can enhance your current skills.
Academic Programs
Red Rocks Community College offers courses in Arvada, Lakewood and online as well as hybrid courses.
Transfer Options
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Becoming a student at RRCC prepares you for transfer to a four-year university, prepares you for an exciting new career or can enhance your current skills.