Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) vs Front Range Community College (FRCC)

Red Rocks Community College and Front Range Community College, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in Colorado, offer diverse educational opportunities to students seeking a solid foundation for their academic and professional pursuits. While sharing a commitment to academic excellence and student success, these colleges exhibit distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and aspirations. Red Rocks, known for its stunning mountain views and vibrant campus life, boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students from various backgrounds. Front Range, on the other hand, offers a wider range of academic programs, including popular majors like nursing and engineering, attracting a more diverse student body. To help you make an informed decision about your educational journey, we present a comprehensive comparison of these two colleges, delving into their acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the table below to discover which institution aligns best with your unique goals and aspirations.

	Front Range Community College	Red Rocks Community College
Overview
Location	Westminster, Colorado	Lakewood, Colorado
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate		100.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	Open Admission
Application fees		$100
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	Not required
High school GPA	N/A	N/A
Recommendation letters	N/A	N/A
High school transcript	N/A	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $23,636 Out of state: $35,058	In state: $24,359 Out of state: $35,781
Average net price	$9,688	$11,125
Tuition	In state: $3,680 Out of state: $15,102	In state: $3,680 Out of state: $15,102
Room & board
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	41.0% Average amount $7,232	36.0% Average amount $7,041
Students receiving federal student loan	23.0% Average amount $4,934	15.0% Average amount $3,693
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $8,374	0.0% Average amount $5,827

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	18,537 Men 42.9% Women 57.1%	5,938 Men 48.1% Women 51.9%
Graduate students	N/A	97 Men 25.8% Women 74.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	2.6%	0.8%
International students	1.5%	1.2%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	N/A	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Colorado Texas California Wyoming New Mexico	Colorado California Hawaii Kansas Maryland

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Liberal Arts Health Professions Computer and Information Science Precision Production	Health Professions Liberal Arts Law Enforcement and Firefighting Business Automotive Technology
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	19:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	25.8%	22.1%
Dropout rate	41.5%	58.8%
Transferred out	21.2%	12.3%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $53,933 Year 2: $55,607 Year 3: $57,931 Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $40,003 Year 2: $42,123 Year 3: $50,980 Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $43,928 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $49,072 Geography and Cartography (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $46,436 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $46,039 Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $28,737 Year 2: $35,416 Year 3: $42,415 Accounting and Related Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $38,336 Year 2: $39,249 Year 3: $38,054 Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $32,284 Year 3: $35,263 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $30,625 Year 2: $34,942 Year 3: $34,970 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $35,701 Year 3: $34,696 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $43,813 Year 2: $30,228 Year 3: $33,534	Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $87,754 Year 2: $88,637 Year 3: $85,388 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $66,863 Year 2: $60,623 Year 3: $74,891 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $60,414 Year 2: $54,361 Year 3: $60,978 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $50,512 Year 2: $49,621 Year 3: $56,525 Fire Protection (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $62,642 Year 2: $30,554 Year 3: $43,182 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $37,856 Year 3: $34,415 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $27,602 Year 2: $28,960 Year 3: $33,901 Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $49,290 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $26,950 Year 2: $26,353 Year 3: N/A Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $20,140 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) and Front Range Community College (FRCC)?

RRCC and FRCC both offer excellent educational opportunities, but they differ in location, campus culture, and some program specializations. RRCC has a more centralized campus feel, particularly at its main Lakewood location, and is known for its strong focus on outdoor recreation and film/video programs. FRCC, with multiple campuses across the Front Range, offers a wider range of programs and a more diverse student body due to its broader geographic reach. FRCC also has a larger online learning presence.
Where are Red Rocks Community College and Front Range Community College located?

Red Rocks Community College's main campus is located in Lakewood, Colorado, with a smaller campus in Arvada. Front Range Community College has campuses in Westminster, Fort Collins, and Longmont, providing access to students across a larger portion of the Front Range.
Which college is better for students interested in outdoor recreation programs?

Red Rocks Community College is generally considered to have a stronger emphasis on outdoor recreation programs. They offer specific degrees and certificates in this area, leveraging their proximity to the Rocky Mountains.
Does one college have a better film/video program than the other?

Red Rocks Community College is well-regarded for its film and video production programs. They have dedicated facilities and a curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in the film industry.
Which college offers a wider variety of academic programs?

Front Range Community College generally offers a broader range of academic programs due to its larger size and multiple campuses. This includes more options in areas like healthcare, business, and technology.
How do the tuition costs compare between RRCC and FRCC?

Tuition costs at RRCC and FRCC are generally comparable for in-state students. Both colleges are part of the Colorado Community College System, which aims to provide affordable higher education. It's always best to check the latest tuition rates on each college's website for the most up-to-date information.
Which college is better for online learning?

Front Range Community College has a more extensive online learning program, offering a wider selection of courses and degree programs that can be completed entirely online. While RRCC also offers online courses, FRCC's online presence is generally larger and more established.
Do both colleges offer transfer programs to four-year universities?

Yes, both RRCC and FRCC offer robust transfer programs to four-year universities in Colorado and beyond. They have articulation agreements with many institutions to ensure a smooth transfer process for students seeking a bachelor's degree.
What kind of student support services are available at each college?

Both RRCC and FRCC offer a comprehensive range of student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, disability services, and financial aid assistance. The specific services and resources may vary slightly between campuses, so it's worth exploring the websites of each college to see what's available.
How do the campus cultures differ between RRCC and FRCC?

RRCC tends to have a more close-knit, community-focused atmosphere, particularly at its Lakewood campus. Its smaller size contributes to a more personal learning environment. FRCC, with its multiple campuses and larger student body, offers a more diverse and varied campus culture. The specific culture can also vary between FRCC's different campus locations.
Are there specific programs that one college is particularly known for?

RRCC is known for its strong programs in film/video, outdoor recreation, and renewable energy. FRCC is recognized for its programs in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and business. The best program for you will depend on your specific career goals.
How can I decide which college is the best fit for me?

The best way to decide is to visit the campuses of both RRCC and FRCC, if possible. Talk to current students and faculty in your areas of interest. Consider the location, program offerings, campus culture, and student support services to determine which college aligns best with your individual needs and goals.

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