At $10,790/yr net price, Arapahoe Community College graduates earn $48,341/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,341/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,790 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,160 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,341/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,341/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,884 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,166/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,471/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,903/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,331/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,104/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $59,011 | $18,250 |
| 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 | $18,988 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $41,007 | $14,000 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $39,369 | $10,250 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $37,208 | $15,125 |
| Legal Support Services. | Certificate | $35,518 |
The Risk Factor
26.8% of students at Arapahoe Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Arapahoe Community College delivers solid financial returns for specific career paths but comes with significant completion risks that undermine its overall value proposition.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $59,011 in median earnings that justify the higher debt load. Criminal justice programs also perform well in Colorado's job market, hitting over $50,000 annually. Vehicle maintenance trades offer reliable middle-class wages that align with regional demand in the Denver metro area.
The 27% graduation rate represents the biggest financial threat at Arapahoe. You face better than even odds of leaving without a credential while still carrying debt. This completion crisis particularly hurts students in lower-paying programs where the earnings boost needs to materialize to justify any borrowing.
You should consider Arapahoe if you're targeting nursing or criminal justice and can commit to finishing your program. The low net price makes it accessible for Colorado residents, and the debt levels remain manageable for graduates who complete their studies. The school works best for students who need flexible scheduling around work commitments and have clear career goals in high-demand fields.
Skip Arapahoe if you're uncertain about your major or have struggled with completion in the past. The combination of low graduation rates and modest overall earnings creates poor odds for students who might start and stop programs. Only 10% of students receive financial aid, so you'll likely pay most costs out of pocket or through loans. Students seeking broader academic exploration or higher-paying career paths should look at four-year institutions where the completion rates and earnings potential better justify the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arapahoe Community College worth the money?
Arapahoe Community College offers decent value for specific career programs, especially nursing and criminal justice. With a low annual cost of $10,790 and typical debt under $12,000, financial risk is manageable even with the 27% graduation rate.
What are the best paying programs at Arapahoe Community College?
Nursing programs lead earnings at around $59,000 annually, followed by criminal justice at $53,000 and automotive repair at $48,000. These programs justify the cost better than most other offerings at the school.
How much debt will I have after Arapahoe Community College?
Students typically graduate with $11,884 in debt. This is manageable compared to four-year schools, but only if you complete your program and find work in your field.
Why is Arapahoe Community College's graduation rate so low?
Only 27% of students graduate, which is concerning for ROI. Many community college students attend part-time or transfer before completing programs, but this still means most students don't finish what they started.