Head-to-head · 2026
Community College of Aurora vs University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Compare average net price ($8,656 at Community College of Aurora; $11,900 at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus), ROI score (12.88 vs 13.50), ten-year median earnings ($44,592 vs $64,270), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Community College of Aurora; 74.7% at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Community College of Aurora | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 12.88 | 13.50 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $8,656 ✓ | $11,900 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $44,592 | $64,270 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 74.7% |
| Graduation rate | 33.5% | 46.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,500 ✓ | $20,500 |
| Enrollment | 3,250 | 10,519 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1116 |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus costs $3,244 more per year than Community College of Aurora ($11,900 vs $8,656). University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus graduates report $19,678 higher median earnings after ten years ($64,270 vs $44,592). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus ahead on projected ROI (13.50 vs 12.88, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus reports 74.7% acceptance; Community College of Aurora does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Community College of Aurora vs University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Community College of Aurora or University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus the better value?
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus has the higher EduGradify ROI score (13.50 vs 12.88), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Community College of Aurora is cheaper — average net price $8,656 per year vs $11,900 at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus. The annual difference of $3,244 adds up to about $12,976 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $64,270 vs $44,592 at Community College of Aurora. The annual gap in the federal data is $19,678.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Community College of Aurora reports a A value grade; University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus reports A.