About Arapahoe Community College
The financial picture tells a compelling story for budget-conscious students. In-state tuition costs just $4,308, and after aid, students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of $7,166. Graduates earn a median of $48,341 ten years after starting college, while carrying typical debt loads of only $11,884. Monthly loan payments average $126, making this one of the more manageable debt burdens in higher education.
Students should know that success here requires self-direction and planning. The 26.80% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing degrees. Women make up 59.79% of enrollment, and the student body is 61.33% white with growing Hispanic representation at 19.07%.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 25:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 22.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 26.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 26.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,341
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $59,011 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $53,358 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $48,432 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $48,432 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $46,087 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $42,682 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $41,007 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $39,369 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $37,208 |
| Legal Support Services. | Certificate | $35,518 |
Campus Life
Nearly all students commute since ACC doesn't offer residence halls. With 98.23% of the 5,392 students coming from Colorado, many live at home or rent apartments nearby. Weekends often mean heading into Denver for entertainment or working part-time jobs. The campus buzzes with activity during weekday hours but quiets down in the evenings and weekends.
Students here focus heavily on career preparation and transferring to four-year universities. The college's strong ties to local employers show in the 92.7% employment rate for graduates. Many students balance coursework with work schedules, taking advantage of flexible class times. Campus life revolves more around academic goals than traditional college social activities, reflecting the practical, career-focused mission that draws students to this affordable option in the Denver metro area.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1965
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–45°F
- July Avg
- 59°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 16.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 34.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 40.2%
- Women
- 59.8%
- White
- 61.3%
- Black
- 3.9%
- Hispanic
- 19.1%
- Asian
- 4.1%
- In-State Students
- 98.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 10.5%
Location
- Address
- Littleton, Colorado 80160-9002
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,341
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,777
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 46.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $126/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,884
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Arapahoe Community College?
Arapahoe Community College has open enrollment, meaning nearly all applicants are accepted regardless of previous academic performance. The college serves 5,392 students and focuses on providing accessible education to the Denver metro community. This open-door policy makes it an ideal starting point for students beginning their college journey or changing career paths.
How much does Arapahoe Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $10,790 per year, with in-state tuition at just $4,308. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay only $7,166 annually after aid. The college keeps education affordable with median debt of just $11,884 and monthly loan payments averaging $126.
What academic programs is Arapahoe Community College known for?
The college specializes in affordable transfer pathways and career training programs serving the Denver metro area. With a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personal attention while preparing for four-year universities or entering the workforce. The school operates on a semester system and maintains strong connections with local employers.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Arapahoe Community College?
Graduates achieve a 92.7% employment rate and earn median salaries of $48,341 ten years after graduation. The four-year graduation rate is 26.73%, which reflects the college's role as a transfer institution where many students move to four-year schools before completing degrees. Alumni start with median earnings of $46,431 just one year after leaving.
Where is Arapahoe Community College located and what is the campus like?
The campus sits in Littleton, Colorado, a large suburb in the Denver metro area. Nearly all students (98.23%) come from in-state, creating a strong local community feel. The student body of 5,392 is 59.79% female and reflects Colorado's diversity with 61.33% white students and 19.07% Hispanic students.
Does Arapahoe Community College offer much financial aid to students?
Only 10.49% of students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many middle-income families rather than just low-income students. Just 2.49% receive institutional grants averaging $6,937, but the low base tuition keeps education accessible. The federal loan rate is only 9.43%, showing most students avoid significant debt.
