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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a modest earnings ceiling, and the biggest financial risk here is finishing at all. Debt at graduation stays under $12,000, which is small enough that even the median 10-year earnings can service it without trouble. The problem isn't the price tag,it's the completion odds.
Just over a quarter of students graduate. That low rate is the central financial threat at this school. If you borrow, start, and leave without a credential, you carry debt with none of the earnings bump that makes it worth taking on. Your return depends almost entirely on whether you're the kind of person who will actually finish, on schedule, without stopping out.
The Littleton and greater Denver job market gives graduates a real place to land, and median earnings of around $48,000 a decade out clear the debt load comfortably. That's a decent, not high, outcome. Treat this as a stepping stone,transfer credits toward a bachelor's or a workforce credential that leads straight into a Denver-area job,and the math works in your favor.
On price, families earning under $30,000 pay about $7,200 a year, while families over $110,000 pay roughly $16,100,more than double. If you're at the lower end, the net cost is genuinely manageable and the debt risk is contained. If you're paying the top-tier price, the value case gets thinner given the earnings ceiling, and you'd want a clear transfer or career plan before committing.
This school fits you if you're cost-conscious, local, and certain you'll complete. If your completion odds are shaky or you need higher earnings out of the gate, look harder.
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.