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$4,030Tuition
3,346Students
29%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$44,592Earnings
#20 in ColoradoPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Community College of Aurora

The Community College of Aurora serves 3,346 students in Colorado's second-largest city. This institution has built a reputation for practical workforce preparation and transfer pathways since opening in 1983. The college particularly emphasizes healthcare programs, automotive technology, and business studies that align with Aurora's diverse economy. Its 13:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention in career-focused programs.

Students pay an average net price of $7,466 after financial aid, making this one of Colorado's most affordable higher education options. In-state tuition runs just $4,030 per year. Graduates earn a median of $44,592 ten years after enrollment, while carrying manageable debt loads of $10,500. The monthly loan payment averages only $111, reflecting the school's commitment to keeping education accessible.

Aurora's student body reflects the city's diversity, with 34.49% Hispanic students, 21.97% Black students, and 26.06% White students. Women make up 58.73% of enrollment. The 28.60% six-year graduation rate is typical for community colleges, where many students attend part-time while working. An impressive 90.8% employment rate shows graduates successfully enter the workforce. The Red Foxes compete in intramural sports, fostering community among commuter students.

Academics & Faculty

Community College of Aurora serves as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable higher education in Colorado's diverse metro area. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to instructors in a system designed for working adults and career changers. With a 28.6% six-year graduation rate, the school reflects the reality that many community college students transfer before completing degrees or attend part-time while working. CCA focuses heavily on workforce development and transfer preparation, offering programs in healthcare, business, and technical fields that align with Aurora's growing job market. The college emphasizes practical skills training and seamless transfer pathways to four-year universities throughout the Colorado system.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
28.6%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$44,592

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Certificate $52,107
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $45,277
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $42,682
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $27,667
Accounting and Related Services. Associate $21,508
Film/Video and Photographic Arts. Associate $20,140

View all 42 programs →

Campus Life

Aurora sits just outside Denver's eastern edge, putting students 15 minutes from downtown by light rail. The campus serves a diverse student body where 34.49% identify as Hispanic and 21.97% as Black, reflecting the community it serves. With 58.73% women and 41.27% men enrolled, classrooms buzz with varied perspectives during the day before most students head home or to work.

The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name in small classes. Colorado's 300 days of sunshine require sunglasses more than winter coats, though you'll need both during snowy months. As a commuter school with no dorms, students typically drive to campus for morning or evening classes then scatter across the metro area. The 90.8% employment rate reflects students juggling jobs with studies. Weekends often mean work shifts or family time rather than campus parties. The Red Foxes compete in intramurals, but most social connections happen through study groups or shared interests in Aurora's diverse neighborhoods rather than traditional college traditions.
Setting
City-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1983

Campus Safety (2023)

11 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 0 0 1
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 2
Burglary 2 0 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 0 0 0
Robbery 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
17°–46°F
July Avg
59°–90°F
Annual Precipitation
15.4"
Annual Snowfall
49.0"

Student Demographics

Community College of Aurora draws students from across the Denver metro area, with nearly nine out of ten coming from Colorado. The student body reflects Aurora's diverse community, with significant Hispanic and Black enrollment alongside white and Asian students. Women outnumber men by a notable margin, likely reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare, education, and social services. The relatively low Pell Grant rate of 16% suggests the school serves both working-class students seeking career training and middle-income families looking for affordable college transfer options.
Men
41.3%
Women
58.7%
White
26.1%
Black
22.0%
Hispanic
34.5%
Asian
6.2%
In-State Students
88.9%
Pell Grant Recipients
16.5%

Location

Aurora sits just east of Denver, making it Colorado's third-largest city with over 380,000 residents. The campus serves students in the Denver metropolitan area, where 2.96 million people live within an hour's drive. Aurora's diverse economy includes healthcare, aerospace, and technology sectors that align with the college's career-focused programs. The city sits on Colorado's Front Range, where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains. Students can see Pikes Peak on clear days and reach downtown Denver in 20 minutes by light rail. The area experiences over 300 sunny days annually and offers outdoor recreation from hiking trails to ski slopes. Students considering colleges in Colorado may also compare Community College of Aurora with similar schools in the region.
Address
Aurora, Colorado 80011-9036
Community College of Aurora Student Centre Rotunda
Community College of Aurora Student Centre Rotunda

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$44,592
Median Earnings (5 years)
$50,085
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$32,600
Loan Repayment Rate
34.3%
Monthly Loan Payment
$111/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Community College of Aurora?

Community College of Aurora maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, accepting all students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 3,346 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education to the diverse Aurora community. With 88.86% of students coming from in-state, CCA primarily serves local Colorado residents seeking affordable postsecondary options.

How much does Community College of Aurora cost after financial aid?

Students at Community College of Aurora pay an average net price of $7,466 annually, making it an affordable option for higher education. In-state tuition runs $4,030 while out-of-state students pay $15,680, though most students receive some form of cost reduction. The college keeps education accessible with low-income students paying just $4,841 net price and graduates leaving with a median debt of only $10,500.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Community College of Aurora?

Community College of Aurora maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, providing relatively small class sizes for personalized attention. The college operates on a semester system and focuses on career-oriented programs and transfer pathways to four-year universities. Faculty work closely with the diverse student body, which is 34.49% Hispanic, 26.06% White, and 21.97% Black.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Community College of Aurora?

Graduates from Community College of Aurora achieve a 90.8% employment rate, demonstrating strong career preparation in practical fields. Alumni earn a median salary of $44,592 ten years after graduation, with recent graduates starting at $38,109 in their first year. The college's 28.60% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and education.

Where is Community College of Aurora located and what is campus life like?

Community College of Aurora sits in Colorado's third-largest city, serving a predominantly commuter student population of 58.73% women and 41.27% men. The Red Foxes compete in athletics while students benefit from the urban setting's internship and job opportunities. Founded in 1983, the college has built strong connections with local employers and the greater Denver metropolitan area.

Does Community College of Aurora offer good financial aid options?

Community College of Aurora has a unique financial aid profile with only 16.47% of students receiving federal financial aid, suggesting many students pay out of pocket due to the low cost. Just 4.45% receive institutional grants, though those who do get an average of $7,597. The college's low tuition structure means many students avoid federal loans entirely, with monthly loan payments averaging just $111 for those who do borrow.