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$4,902Tuition
5,156Students
16%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$39,095Earnings
Public4-yearData: 2023-24

About Community College of Denver

The Community College of Denver transforms lives through accessible education and practical workforce training. This public institution serves 5,156 students in Colorado's largest city, building bridges between high school and both career success and four-year universities. The college specializes in career-focused programs that prepare students for Denver's growing job market while maintaining strong transfer agreements with Colorado's university system.

Students pay an average net price of $9,431, making higher education affordable for working families. In-state tuition costs just $4,902 annually. Graduates earn a median of $39,095 ten years after enrollment, while carrying typical debt loads of only $12,495. The monthly loan payment averages $132, making the financial burden manageable for most careers. With 93.6% of graduates finding employment, the college delivers solid returns on investment for students seeking practical skills and career advancement.

Women comprise 63.27% of the student body, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare and social service programs. Hispanic students make up 37.55% of enrollment, demonstrating the institution's role in serving Denver's diverse communities. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention despite the urban setting. While graduation rates of 15.80% reflect the part-time, working student population typical of community colleges, the high employment rate shows students achieve their career goals.

Academics & Faculty

Community College of Denver serves as the metro area's primary pathway for workforce training and university transfer, with over 5,100 students pursuing certificates and associate degrees. The school excels in healthcare programs, automotive technology, and criminal justice training that directly feeds Denver's job market. Students work with faculty in a 21:1 ratio, receiving more individualized attention than at larger institutions. The 16.78% four-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing degrees here. Strong partnerships with University of Colorado Denver and Metropolitan State University create seamless transfer pathways. Nearly 94% of graduates find employment, demonstrating the school's focus on practical, job-ready skills.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
21:1
Full-Time Faculty
31.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
16.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
15.8%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$39,095

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $65,320
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $44,021
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Certificate $36,848
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. Associate $28,816
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $27,488
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $26,850
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Certificate $24,035

View all 45 programs →

Campus Life

Community College of Denver sits in the heart of Colorado's largest city, where 5,156 students navigate urban campus life against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. The college draws from Denver's diverse population, with 37.55% Hispanic students and 34.74% White students creating a multicultural environment that reflects the city's character. Winter means real snow and temperatures that demand heavy coats, while summer brings intense sunshine at mile-high altitude.

With 98.70% of students coming from in-state, most commute from across the Denver metro area rather than living on campus. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes typical of community colleges, but the urban setting offers endless weekend options. Students often work part-time jobs downtown or explore Denver's food scene, breweries, and outdoor recreation just minutes from campus. The CityHawks compete in athletics, though many students are focused on workforce training programs or transferring to four-year universities. The semester system keeps pace steady, while the city's job market helps explain the strong 93.6% employment rate after graduation.
Setting
City-Large
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 30 0 0 3
Stalking 13 0 0 0
Arson 2 0 0 10
Burglary 11 0 0 0
Dating Violence 8 0 0 1
Domestic Violence 6 0 0 2
Aggravated Assault 5 0 0 1
Rape 6 0 0 0
Fondling 3 0 0 0
Robbery 2 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
21°–48°F
July Avg
61°–91°F
Annual Precipitation
15.9"
Annual Snowfall
40.7"

Student Demographics

Community College of Denver draws heavily from its local community, with nearly all students coming from Colorado. The student body is majority women and diverse, reflecting Denver's changing demographics with strong Hispanic and Black representation alongside white students. Most students qualify for Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking affordable education. This mix of local residents from varied economic and ethnic backgrounds fits the school's mission as an accessible entry point into higher education. The demographics mirror a typical urban community college focused on workforce development and transfer preparation.
Men
36.7%
Women
63.3%
White
34.7%
Black
12.0%
Hispanic
37.6%
Asian
5.8%
In-State Students
98.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
31.0%

Location

Denver serves as Colorado's largest city and economic center, home to 715,000 residents in the metro area of 2.9 million. The Community College of Denver sits in this urban environment where students access internships and jobs across industries from healthcare to technology. The city sits exactly one mile above sea level, earning its "Mile High City" nickname. Rocky Mountain peaks rise just 30 miles west, offering weekend skiing and hiking opportunities. Denver's downtown core provides cultural attractions, professional sports teams, and a growing startup scene. The college draws 98.70% of its students from within Colorado, reflecting its role as a local institution. Students considering colleges in Colorado may also compare Community College of Denver with similar schools in the region.
Address
Denver, Colorado 80204-2026
Community College of Denver Confluence Building
Community College of Denver Confluence Building

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$39,095
Median Earnings (5 years)
$47,106
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$30,100
Loan Repayment Rate
26.3%
Monthly Loan Payment
$132/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,495

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Community College of Denver?

Community College of Denver has an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, meaning they accept all students who meet basic requirements. The college serves as Denver's primary community college with 5,156 students enrolled. Nearly 99% of students are Colorado residents, reflecting its mission to serve the local community.

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

Students pay an average net price of $9,431 after financial aid at Community College of Denver. In-state tuition runs $4,902 while out-of-state students pay $17,136. About 31% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically leave with a median debt of just $12,495.

What are the academics like at Community College of Denver?

The student-faculty ratio is 21:1 at Community College of Denver, providing reasonable access to instructors. The college focuses heavily on workforce training programs and creating transfer pathways to four-year universities. Students can choose from semester-based programs designed to either prepare them for immediate employment or continuation of their education.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Community College of Denver?

Community College of Denver has a 16% four-year graduation rate and 16% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the nature of community college students who often attend part-time or take breaks. However, graduates achieve a strong 94% employment rate and earn a median salary of $39,095 ten years after enrollment. The college effectively prepares students for Denver's job market through its workforce training focus.

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

Community College of Denver operates in Colorado's largest city, serving a diverse student body that is 38% Hispanic, 35% White, and 12% Black. With 63% female enrollment, the college reflects the demographics of students seeking accessible higher education. The CityHawks compete in athletics while maintaining the college's urban, commuter-focused environment.

Does Community College of Denver offer good financial support for low-income students?

Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of just $7,881 at Community College of Denver. Only 17% of students take federal loans, and those who do have manageable monthly payments of $132. The college's affordable structure makes it particularly accessible to working-class Denver residents seeking career advancement or university transfer preparation.