At $7,466/yr net price, Community College of Aurora graduates earn $44,592/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,592/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,466 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,864 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,592/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,592/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,841/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,865/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,297/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,172/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,383/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $12,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $21,508 | |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Associate | $20,140 | $18,114 |
The Risk Factor
28.6% of students at Community College of Aurora 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
Community College of Aurora delivers solid returns for career-focused programs but weak outcomes for general education tracks. At $7,466 annually, the low net price makes financial risk manageable, though the 28.6% graduation rate means many students leave without credentials.
Criminal justice programs shine here, with graduates earning $45,000-$52,000 annually, well above the school's $44,592 median. Allied health diagnostic programs also perform respectably at $42,682. These fields align with Colorado's growing healthcare sector and law enforcement needs in the Denver metro area.
Liberal arts and general studies graduates face poor returns, earning just $27,667 while carrying $12,000 in debt. Accounting majors fare even worse at $21,508, making those programs financially questionable given the time investment.
Your biggest risk is not completing your program. With fewer than three in ten students graduating, you need strong motivation and clear career goals. The low 16.5% financial aid rate means most students pay out of pocket, which reduces debt risk but requires upfront funds.
This school works best if you're pursuing criminal justice or health programs with clear local job prospects. Avoid it for liberal arts or business unless you plan to transfer immediately to a four-year school. The combination of low cost and decent earnings in targeted fields makes it viable for career changers or first-generation college students who need affordable, practical training.
Skip Community College of Aurora if you're undecided about your major or considering programs outside criminal justice and healthcare. The low graduation rate suggests weak student support, making it risky for students who need significant academic assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Community College of Aurora worth the cost?
Community College of Aurora offers reasonable value with a low net price of $7,466 per year and modest debt levels around $10,500. However, the 29% graduation rate is concerning, and earnings vary dramatically by program from $21,000 to $52,000 annually.
What are the best paying programs at Community College of Aurora?
Criminal Justice and Allied Health programs at Community College of Aurora lead to the highest earnings, with graduates making $42,000-$52,000 annually. Liberal Arts and Accounting programs result in much lower earnings of $21,000-$28,000 per year.
How much debt do Community College of Aurora graduates have?
Community College of Aurora graduates typically leave with $10,500 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low cost and modest debt make it a lower-risk option for career training.
What is the graduation rate at Community College of Aurora?
Only 29% of students graduate from Community College of Aurora within normal timeframes. This low completion rate means many students pay tuition but don't earn credentials, which significantly impacts the school's overall value.