Students at Arapahoe Community College benefit from exceptional affordability that keeps education costs manageable for families across all income levels.
The college's track record of zero loan defaults demonstrates that graduates successfully manage their minimal debt while building stable careers.
Arapahoe Community College serves as an accessible gateway to higher education in Colorado, offering students an affordable foundation for career advancement and transfer preparation. Located in Littleton, this medium-sized public institution focuses on practical workforce development and academic transfer pathways that help students achieve their educational goals without excessive financial burden.
The college demonstrates strong affordability performance, ranking in the top 25% nationally for keeping costs manageable across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $7,166 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $10,903 per year. This pricing structure makes higher education accessible to a diverse student population, including the 38% who are first-generation college students.
As an "Opportunity Builder" institution, Arapahoe Community College provides broad access to students from various backgrounds while working to improve outcomes over time. The college's completion rate of 27% reflects the challenges common to community colleges, where many students attend part-time, work while enrolled, or transfer before completing credentials. However, graduates who do complete programs earn a median of $48,341 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating the value of completing educational goals at this accessible institution.
Arapahoe Community College offers a comprehensive range of programs designed to meet diverse student needs, from workforce preparation to transfer readiness. While specific program-level earnings data is limited, the college's overall approach focuses on practical skills development and career preparation that aligns with Colorado's regional job market demands.
The college's program portfolio emphasizes accessibility and flexibility, allowing students to pursue credentials that match their career goals and life circumstances. Many programs are designed with working adults in mind, offering evening and weekend options that accommodate diverse schedules. This approach serves the college's mission of providing educational opportunities to students who might not otherwise access higher education.
With median earnings of $48,341 for graduates ten years out, the college demonstrates that completion of programs leads to meaningful economic advancement. The combination of affordable education, practical training, and strong regional employer connections creates pathways to stable employment for students across various fields of study. The college's zero default rate on federal loans indicates that graduates find employment sufficient to manage their minimal debt obligations while building careers in their chosen fields.
Graduates of Arapahoe Community College achieve solid long-term earnings that reflect the practical, career-focused nature of community college education. Ten years after enrollment, completers earn a median of $48,341, positioning the college around the national average for return on investment. These earnings represent meaningful economic advancement for students who often enter with limited prior educational experience or career training.
The college's graduates earn slightly more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions, with earnings beyond expectations of nearly $2,000 annually. This modest but positive advantage suggests that Arapahoe's programs effectively prepare students for stable employment in Colorado's job market. With 566 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, the college demonstrates its ability to help some students achieve substantial financial success, particularly those who complete programs in high-demand technical fields or use their credentials as stepping stones to further education.
Student debt levels remain very manageable, with typical federal loan debt of just $11,884 upon completion. This low debt burden means graduates can focus on career advancement rather than loan repayment, and the college's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that borrowers successfully manage their obligations. The combination of affordable education costs and reasonable debt levels creates a sustainable path to economic mobility for students from diverse financial backgrounds.
Arapahoe Community College excels in affordability, ranking in the top 25% nationally for keeping education costs manageable across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $7,166 per year after financial aid, while middle-income families see annual costs around $10,903, and higher-income students pay approximately $16,104. These price points make the college accessible to families across the economic spectrum and represent excellent value compared with four-year institutions.
The college's financial aid approach effectively reduces barriers to enrollment, particularly for students who might otherwise find higher education financially out of reach. With only 10% of students receiving Pell Grants, the college serves a mix of students with varying financial needs, but maintains affordability for all income groups. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $15,720 for families who choose this option, a reasonable level that reflects the college's overall commitment to cost-effective education.
What makes Arapahoe particularly sustainable financially is the combination of low upfront costs and minimal debt accumulation. Most students graduate with federal loan debt of just $11,884, well below national averages, and the college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate. This track record demonstrates that students can afford their education both during enrollment and after graduation, creating a foundation for long-term financial stability rather than debt burden.
Arapahoe Community College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
