Community College of Aurora: Programs, Opportunities, and a Commitment to Student Success
The Community College of Aurora (CCA) stands as a vital educational hub in Aurora, Colorado, offering a diverse range of programs and a supportive environment for students from all backgrounds. As one of the 13 community colleges within the Colorado Community College System, CCA is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education to the nearly 690,000 residents in its service area, which includes Arapahoe, Adams, and Denver counties. With a student population representing over 60 countries, CCA embraces diversity and strives to create an equitable learning experience for all.
A College Without Walls: Accessibility and Inclusivity
CCA has historically been known as the "college without walls" due to its unwavering commitment to removing barriers to student success. This commitment is reflected in the college's open admissions policy, which welcomes students from all walks of life. CCA also offers credit for life experiences, recognizing the valuable knowledge and skills that students acquire outside of the traditional classroom.
CCA's dedication to inclusivity is further demonstrated by its recognition as a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution. Over 30% of the student population identifies as Hispanic/Latinx, contributing to the vibrant and diverse campus community. In addition, CCA has been awarded the 2024 First Generation Serving Campus Designation in recognition of its first-generation student enrollment.
CCA's commitment extends to parenting students, as evidenced by its selection as a 2024-2027 FamilyU Seal recipient. The FamilyU Seal is a national certification awarded to higher education institutions and nonprofits that demonstrate exemplary, measurable efforts in supporting parenting students.
Academic Programs: Pathways to Transfer and Career Success
The Community College of Aurora offers a wide array of programs designed to meet the diverse needs and goals of its students. Whether students are seeking to transfer to a four-year university or enter the workforce directly, CCA provides the coursework and skills necessary for success. Students can earn degrees and certificates in 20 different fields, with popular programs including:
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- Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
- General Studies and Humanities
- General Studies
CCA offers 55 two-year degrees, providing students with a solid foundation for further study at a four-year institution. The college also offers hundreds of online, hybrid, and evening/weekend classes, as well as cohort-based programs and short-term credentials, to accommodate students' demanding schedules. Certificate programs are designed to retool employee skills or launch new careers quickly.
To help students navigate the vast array of academic options, CCA has developed "Fox Lanes," a system of six pathways that represent all of the college's degrees and certificates. These pathways are designed to help students choose a plan of study that best directs them toward their ultimate career goals. The six lanes are:
Communication & Languages: This pathway prepares students to write and speak effectively to persuade and help others, or present information in the most effective ways.
Creative Industries: This pathway prepares students to use their ideas and passion to create, fostering artistic expression. Most students enter the workplace directly after receiving their associate’s degree or certificate. El itinerario de Industrias Creativas prepara a los estudiantes para utilizar sus ideas, su pasión por crear y su expresión artística. La mayoría de los estudiantes se incorporan al mundo laboral directamente después de obtener su título de asociado o certificado.
Health: This pathway prepares students to enter healthcare and contribute to the betterment of society. Most students enter the workplace directly after receiving their associate’s degree or certificate.
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People, Societies & Ideas: This pathway prepares students to explore and explain human relationships and social, political, and ethical systems.
Professional Studies and Public Service: This pathway prepares students to enter the workplace directly after receiving their associate’s degree or certificate.
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM): This pathway prepares students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math fields.
Nursing Education Program
Addressing regional nursing shortages, CCA’s Nursing Education Program offers a full-time, 5-6 semester curriculum totaling 73.5 credits. The program includes core requisites, nine nursing courses (e.g., Fundamentals of Nursing, Pharmacology, Maternal Child Nursing), and general education courses in English, Biology, Health Sciences, and Social Sciences.
Student Life and Support Services
CCA provides a comprehensive range of student support services to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. These services include:
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- Academic/career counseling services
- Employment services for students
While placement services for completers and on-campus day care for students' children are not available, CCA is committed to providing resources and support to help students overcome any challenges they may face.
Affordability and Financial Aid
CCA is committed to making education affordable for all students. The in-state tuition and fees for 2020-2021 were $3,947, and out-of-state tuition and fees were $15,369. There is no application fee. In 2022-2023, the estimated cost for books and supplies was $1,460.
At Community College of Aurora, 27 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, and the average scholarship or grant award is $7,652.
A Commitment to Excellence
The Community College of Aurora has earned recognition from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) for nonpartisan student voter participation efforts in the 2022 Midterm Election. CCA is a 2025 Insight Into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award winner, demonstrating an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion across its campus. CCA is also a 2026-2029 Career Connected Campus, designated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education.
At CCA, differences in people, perspectives, backgrounds, identities, and abilities are intentionally embraced. Responsive practices are implemented in recognition of the differing circumstances, resources, and opportunities experienced by the unique student population. CCA is inspired to foster and engage in an inclusive and global world reflecting the rich diversity of Aurora, Colorado.
Conclusion
The Community College of Aurora is a dynamic and inclusive institution that provides students with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to achieve their academic and career goals. With a wide range of programs, a commitment to affordability, and a focus on student success, CCA is a valuable asset to the Aurora community and the state of Colorado.
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