Head-to-head · 2026
Community College of Denver vs Western Colorado University
Compare average net price ($9,450 at Community College of Denver; $16,425 at Western Colorado University), ROI score (10.34 vs 7.13), ten-year median earnings ($39,095 vs $46,833), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Community College of Denver; 99.7% at Western Colorado University) using federal College Scorecard data. Community College of Denver has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Community College of Denver 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 Denver | Western Colorado University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.34 ✓ | 7.13 |
| Avg net price | $9,450 ✓ | $16,425 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $39,095 | $46,833 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 99.7% |
| Graduation rate | 20% | 50.5% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,495 ✓ | $20,250 |
| Enrollment | 5,096 | 1,586 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1230 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Western Colorado University costs $6,975 more per year than Community College of Denver ($16,425 vs $9,450). Western Colorado University graduates report $7,738 higher median earnings after ten years ($46,833 vs $39,095). On EduGradify's model that puts Community College of Denver ahead on projected ROI (10.34 vs 7.13, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Community College of Denver) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Western Colorado University reports 99.7% acceptance; Community College of Denver does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Community College of Denver vs Western Colorado University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Community College of Denver or Western Colorado University the better value?
Community College of Denver has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.34 vs 7.13), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Community College of Denver is cheaper — average net price $9,450 per year vs $16,425 at Western Colorado University. The annual difference of $6,975 adds up to about $27,900 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Western Colorado University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $46,833 vs $39,095 at Community College of Denver. The annual gap in the federal data is $7,738.
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 Denver reports a B value grade; Western Colorado University reports C.