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DACA/ASSET

For students who are Undocumented, ASSET eligible, DACA recipients, or are unsure of their immigration/legal status:

Red Rocks Community College is committed to providing a quality and accessible education to all of our students. Current and prospective students with no legal status or with a complicated legal status should speak to the Admissions Department to determine if they may be eligible for a program that would allow them to receive Colorado resident tuition. Even if you are not interested in receiving resident tuition, please still speak with the Admissions Department so we can advise you on your next steps.

Contact Admissions:

Admissions@rrcc.edu

303-914-6600

Next Steps

  1. After meeting with Admissions and working with them to fill out an application, they will have a conversation with you about the next steps for your specific situation. At this time, they may work with you to complete the College Opportunity Fund (COF) Affidavit, indicating that you earned you high school diploma or GED, this will be explained in detail so that you can decide if it is something you are willing to complete.
  2. If it seems that you may be eligible for in-state tuition, you will then meet with the Red Rocks Community College Colorado Residency Specialist who will determine if you will be classified at our college as a Colorado resident for tuition purposes only.
  3. If you are eligible, the Colorado Residency Specialist will then direct you to the Red Rocks Community College COF Advisor. The COF Advisor will support you in applying for the College Opportunity Fund stipend, which will lower your tuition bill even more.
  4. At this point, you will also have the opportunity to work with the Red Rocks Community College Financial Aid Department to determine what types of financial aid you may be eligible to receive. While undocumented students and some types of international students are not eligible for federal financial aid, there are some scholarships available that do not have residency requirements. If you are an ASSET recipient, Financial Aid has a State Aid Application you should use to apply for state financial aid. For more information, contact the Red Rocks Community College Financial Aid Department.
  5. If there are any additional support services you need as you enroll and continue your career here at Red Rocks, please let us know and we will direct you to the right person!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is COF?

The College Opportunity Fund (COF) is a state stipend for Colorado residents. This is considered the state portion of your tuition. The COF stipend will lower your tuition bill by $116 per credit. You must be classified as a Colorado resident for tuition purposes and complete the COF process. Details on how to apply for and authorize funds from this program will be further discussed with you once it is determined that you qualify for in-state tuition. There is an affidavit with COF that applicants need to sign. For more information visit: https://www.rrcc.edu/college-opportunity-fund for RRCC specific questions.

What is ASSET?

The Advancing Students for a Stronger Economy Tomorrow (ASSET) law allows U.S citizens, permanent residents, and students without lawful status to receive in-state tuition through attendance and graduation from a Colorado high school or through attendance at a Colorado high school combined with obtaining the GED.

Am I eligible for ASSET?

To qualify for Colorado ASSET In-State Tuition, a student must:

  • Attended a Colorado high school for at least one year before graduation or was physically present in Colorado for at least one year immediately preceding the date the student completed a high school equivalency examination in Colorado; and 
  • Has been physically present in Colorado for at least 12 consecutive months before enrolling in an institution.
  • Complete an affidavit with the College Opportunity Fund indicating that you have applied for "lawful presence" or will apply as soon as you are eligible to do so. 

What is the difference between ASSET & DACA?

While both programs are aimed to support students who may not have a legal status, they have different goals. ASSET is exclusively about getting in-state tuition. DACA is about deferring deportation and providing work authorization, among other protections. Each law was implemented at a different level of government (state vs federal). Undocumented students may qualify for one, both, or neither of these programs. RRCC is here to help you understand how the program you fall under relates to your college studies. We are committed to providing you with any assistance you may need to enroll at Red Rocks Community College. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) is not tied to ASSET. However, DACA students may receive in-state tuition as long as the one-year domicile requirement is met.

ASSET

Advancing Students for a Stronger Economy Tomorrow, or the Colorado ASSET law, allows eligible undocumented students to pay in-state tuition and receive the College Opportunity Fund stipend at Colorado public colleges.

DACA

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was an executive action allowing undocumented children who met several guidelines to request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal.  DACA students do qualify for Colorado financial aid and in-state tuition.

Step 1: Apply to RRCC

Step 2: Complete the Required College Overview (Online)

  • Log on to The Rock with your S#
    • Your temporary password is Student followed by your date of birth: StudentMMDDYYYY
  • Online: Learn at your own pace by completing the “Required College Overview” at the bottom of the page. Follow the steps below for instructions on how to access this online information.

Need help? We are here to support you! Learn how to schedule an appointment with an Admissions Counselor by Watching this Video or following these Step-by-step instructions.

Step 3: Complete your Academic Testing Requirements

Step 4: Meet with your Pathway Advisor

Accessibility Services works with students who have disabilities and learning differences to provide access to courses, programs and activities through accommodations and supports

Step 5: Register for Classes

Use Navigate to plan out your entire time at RRCC! (link is external) Explore academic programs with Major Explorer, find important to-do’s, and drag and drop courses into different semesters to see your exact path to graduation. 

Step 6: Attend New Student Orientation 

New Student Orientation (NSO) is your official introduction to our college community. This essential program is designed to help you transition smoothly into college life, providing you with all the tools, resources, and connections you need to start your academic journey on the right foot.  

Register for an upcoming New Student Orientation

Step 7: Activate your student email account in The Rock

Step 8: Paying for College

Step 9: Get your RRCC student ID card (if all of your courses are online, you will not be issued a student ID card.)

RRCC is an approved member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).

Go to https://www.nc-sara.org/ for more information and click here for more information on professional licensure, and visit our RRCC Professional Licensure page here.