Community College of Denver provides exceptional affordability with net prices well below national averages and maintains perfect loan repayment performance among its graduates.
The college serves as an accessible entry point for first-generation students and working adults seeking flexible, cost-effective educational pathways.
Community College of Denver serves as an accessible gateway to higher education in Colorado, though it faces challenges common to many community colleges in translating that access into strong long-term earnings outcomes. The institution enrolls a diverse student body with nearly half being first-generation college students and about 31% receiving Pell Grants, reflecting its mission to serve students who might not otherwise pursue postsecondary education.
Graduates earn a median of $39,095 ten years after enrollment, which places the college in the bottom quintile nationally for earnings outcomes. The completion rate of about 16% within six years is typical for open-access institutions that serve many part-time and non-traditional students, though this presents challenges for students seeking credential completion. The college's affordability remains a significant strength, with net prices well below national averages across all income levels.
As a medium-sized public community college in Denver, the institution provides essential workforce training and transfer preparation services. While long-term earnings lag behind four-year institutions, the college serves an important role in Colorado's higher education ecosystem by offering affordable access to students who need flexible scheduling, remedial support, or career-focused training programs.
Community College of Denver offers a range of workforce-focused programs and transfer pathways, though specific program-level earnings data is limited in the available metrics. The college typically provides training in high-demand fields such as healthcare support, business, and technical trades that serve the Denver metropolitan area's employment needs. Students often pursue certificates and associate degrees designed for direct workforce entry or as preparation for transfer to four-year institutions.
The institution's program mix reflects its community college mission of serving diverse student needs, from career changers seeking new skills to traditional students preparing for university transfer. While individual program outcomes vary, the overall earnings patterns suggest that graduates enter fields with modest but stable earning potential. The college's role in workforce development means many programs are designed to meet local employer needs rather than maximize long-term earnings potential.
For students considering Community College of Denver, program choice becomes particularly important given the variation in outcomes across different fields of study. Career-focused programs with clear pathways to employment may offer better financial returns than general education coursework, though transfer students who complete bachelor's degrees elsewhere may see substantially different long-term outcomes.
Community College of Denver graduates face mixed financial outcomes that reflect both the opportunities and limitations of community college education. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $39,095, which falls in the bottom quintile nationally and represents earnings that are about $1,060 below what similar students achieve at comparable institutions. This earnings gap suggests that while the college provides access, the long-term financial payoff remains challenging.
The earnings picture varies significantly among graduates, with some achieving meaningful success while others struggle to reach middle-class income levels. About 155 graduates earn more than $75,000 annually, demonstrating that strong outcomes are possible, though they represent a smaller share of the total graduate population. The college's loan repayment patterns show that nearly half of borrowers are successfully paying down their debt, indicating that while earnings may be modest, many graduates can manage their financial obligations.
The institution's role as a community college means many students use it as a stepping stone rather than a final destination, which complicates direct earnings comparisons with four-year institutions. Students who transfer successfully to complete bachelor's degrees elsewhere may see substantially different long-term outcomes than those reflected in these institutional metrics.
Community College of Denver excels in affordability, making higher education accessible across income levels with net prices well below national averages. Low-income students pay approximately $7,881 annually, middle-income families face costs around $10,262, and even high-income students pay just $17,432 per year. These figures place the college in the top quintile nationally for affordability, representing one of its strongest value propositions for Colorado families.
Debt levels remain manageable for most students, with typical federal loan borrowing around $12,495 and Parent PLUS loans averaging $13,001. The college maintains a zero percent federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully despite modest earnings. This combination of low borrowing and responsible repayment suggests that the institution's affordability model works well for students who complete their programs and enter the workforce.
The college's pricing structure reflects its community college mission of providing accessible education without creating overwhelming financial burden. For students seeking to minimize educational debt while gaining skills or completing prerequisites for transfer, the institution offers one of the most cost-effective pathways in Colorado's higher education system.
Community College Of Denver Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
