At $9,431/yr net price, Community College of Denver graduates earn $39,095/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,095/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,431 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $37,724 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,095/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,095/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 15.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,495 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,881/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,725/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,262/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,658/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,432/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $65,320 | $21,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $44,021 | $12,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $36,848 | |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $28,816 | $8,906 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $27,488 | $9,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,850 | $11,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Certificate | $24,035 |
The Risk Factor
15.8% of students at Community College of Denver 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 Denver offers poor overall financial returns, with graduates earning just $39,095 ten years after enrollment while facing a dismal 15.8% graduation rate that ranks among the worst in Colorado.
Your best bet financially is the dental support program, where graduates earn $65,320 annually. Even with $21,000 in debt, this program delivers solid returns in Denver's growing healthcare market. Allied health diagnostic programs also perform well at $44,021, particularly the version with lower $12,500 debt loads.
Avoid most other programs. Veterinary technician graduates earn just $28,816 with $8,906 in debt, while nursing assistants make $27,488. These wages barely exceed what you could earn without a degree in Denver's $15 minimum wage market.
The school's biggest financial risk is its graduation rate. Only one in six students actually finish their programs, meaning you face high odds of leaving with debt but no credential. This makes CCD particularly risky if you struggle with self-directed learning or need significant academic support.
CCD works financially if you can get into dental support services or allied health programs and have strong study habits to beat the graduation odds. The $9,431 net price is reasonable, and only 31% of students need financial aid, suggesting many pay out of pocket affordably.
Skip CCD if you need extensive academic support, want bachelor's degree earning power, or cannot access the higher-paying healthcare programs. The combination of low graduation rates and weak earnings makes this a high-risk investment for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Community College of Denver worth the cost?
Community College of Denver offers decent value for career-focused programs, with relatively low debt and a net price under $10,000 annually. However, the 16% graduation rate is concerning and may indicate completion challenges for many students.
What are the best paying programs at Community College of Denver?
Dental support services leads at $65,320 annually, followed by allied health diagnostic programs around $44,000. These healthcare-focused programs offer the strongest return on investment at the school.
How much debt do Community College of Denver graduates have?
Median debt is $12,495, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. Given the low graduation rate, many students may leave with debt but no degree.
Do Community College of Denver graduates earn good salaries?
Overall graduate earnings average $39,095 ten years later, which is modest but reasonable for an associate degree. Healthcare program graduates earn significantly more, while other fields may struggle to justify the investment.