Degree Dividend
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Red Rocks Community College vs Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design: which has better ROI?

Public, Lakewood CO · vs · Private for-profit, Lakewood CO

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Red Rocks Community College comes closer — median earnings $46,288 against a $36,176 total, vs $42,958 at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureRed Rocks Community CollegeRocky Mountain College of Art and Design
Net price / yr$9,044$32,363
Total net cost$36,176$129,452
Median earnings, 10 yrs$46,288$42,958
Median debt$9,500$31,000
Payback
20-year net return-$77,616-$237,492

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Red Rocks Community College vs Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design: frequently asked questions

Is Red Rocks Community College or Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design a better value?
Red Rocks Community College comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Red Rocks Community College or Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design?
Red Rocks Community College: $9,044/yr net price after aid versus $32,363/yr at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design — a difference of $23,319 a year, or about $93,276 over four years.
Do Red Rocks Community College or Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design graduates earn more?
Red Rocks Community College graduates earn a median $46,288 ten years after entry, versus $42,958 at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design — a $3,330 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.