Community College of Denver

Key Highlights

• Public research university with state support
• Located in a major metropolitan area with excellent opportunities
• Strong focus on undergraduate education
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at CCD has a different feel than at a traditional residential college. Most students commute, and many balance school with jobs and family responsibilities. But that doesn't mean campus is empty between classes. The Tivoli Student Union, shared across all three Auraria schools, provides a central gathering space with food options, study areas, and student services. The college runs active student government and a variety of clubs focused on everything from specific career fields to cultural organizations. The Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter is particularly active, providing community service opportunities and scholarship connections for high-achieving students. Because CCD shares the Auraria Campus with two universities, students have access to facilities they wouldn't find at a standalone community college. The campus recreation center offers gym equipment, basketball courts, and fitness classes. The Auraria Library serves all three schools, providing extensive research resources. The commuter nature of the campus means the social experience largely happens in classrooms and study groups. Students often form close connections with classmates in their specific programs, particularly in cohort-based healthcare and technical programs where they move through coursework together over multiple semesters. Many students find that their CCD peers become professional contacts they maintain long after graduation.

Location & Surroundings

CCD's downtown Denver location is hard to beat for accessibility and opportunity. The Auraria Campus sits just west of the city center, with the light rail and bus lines converging right on campus at the Auraria West station. Students can get to campus from across the metro area without needing a car, though parking is available for those who drive. Denver itself has transformed over the past two decades into a major metropolitan area. The job market is strong, particularly in healthcare, technology, and construction. This gives CCD students practical opportunities for internships and employment while they study. Many students work at downtown businesses between classes. The campus sits near the Pepsi Center and Elitch Gardens, with the South Platte River running nearby. The downtown location means students have easy access to restaurants, coffee shops, and cultural venues during breaks. Cherry Creek and the RiNo arts district are both short trips away. Colorado's famous outdoor access is never far. Students can be skiing at one of the Front Range resorts within two hours of campus. The foothills west of Denver offer hiking trails at places like Red Rocks Park, just 20 minutes from campus. The combination of urban convenience and mountain access draws many people to the Denver area.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Community college pricing is the main draw for many CCD students. In-state tuition runs around $180 per credit hour, meaning a full-time semester costs roughly $2,700 before fees. Compare that to $6,000 or more at Colorado's public universities, and the math becomes clear. Students who complete their first two years at CCD before transferring can save tens of thousands of dollars on their bachelor's degree. Financial aid covers costs for many students. About 40% of CCD students receive Pell Grants, and Colorado offers additional state aid programs. The college also administers emergency assistance funds for students facing unexpected financial hardships. Career outcomes vary by program, but job placement rates in the healthcare and technical fields are strong. Nursing graduates regularly see starting salaries above $60,000. Welding and HVAC technicians can earn $50,000 or more with the right certifications. The college's career services office helps students with job searches, resume writing, and interview preparation. For students who transfer to four-year schools, CCD provides a solid foundation. Transfer students who started at CCD perform comparably to students who started at universities. The money saved at community college allows many students to graduate with less debt, positioning them better financially as they start their careers.

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