At $10,854/yr net price, Front Range Community College graduates earn $45,910/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,910/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,854 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,416 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,910/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,910/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,251 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,977/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,836/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,468/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,434/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,087/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 | $55,607 | $20,000 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $42,123 | $17,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $39,249 | $19,405 |
| Geography and Cartography. | Certificate | $38,289 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $37,779 | $11,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $35,701 | $14,925 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $35,416 | $9,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $34,942 | $6,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Certificate | $32,925 | $12,875 |
The Risk Factor
30.1% of students at Front Range 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
Front Range Community College delivers solid financial returns for career-focused students, with a low net price of $10,854 annually and manageable debt loads across most programs. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates earning $55,607 within ten years despite carrying $20,000 in debt.
Your program choice matters significantly here. Nursing, drafting and design technology, and computer networking all generate earnings well above the school's $45,910 median. However, the 30% graduation rate creates substantial risk - you need to complete your program to see any return. This completion challenge particularly affects students who enter underprepared or without clear career goals.
The school works best for students with specific technical career targets who can handle the self-direction required to graduate. Nursing students face the additional hurdle of competitive program admission, making backup plans essential. Geography and accounting programs show weaker returns relative to debt loads, making them questionable investments unless you have clear regional job connections.
Financial aid proves limited, with only 16% of students receiving assistance. This creates an advantage for students who can pay out of pocket or qualify for Colorado state aid programs. The low sticker price means most students can work while attending, reducing borrowing needs.
Skip this school if you need extensive academic support services or prefer a traditional college experience. The financial model works for motivated adult learners and career changers who can handle the system independently and commit to completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Front Range Community College worth the cost?
Front Range Community College offers decent value with a net price of $10,854 annually and graduates earning $45,910 after 10 years. However, the 30% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Front Range Community College?
Nursing programs at Front Range Community College lead to the highest earnings at $55,607 annually, followed by drafting and engineering technology at $47,260. These programs justify the investment better than lower-paying options like geography.
How much debt do Front Range Community College graduates have?
Front Range Community College graduates carry a median debt of $12,251, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load helps make the investment worthwhile for students who complete their programs.
Does Front Range Community College have a good graduation rate?
Front Range Community College has a 30% graduation rate, meaning 7 out of 10 students don't finish their programs. This low completion rate is the biggest risk factor when considering the school's value.