Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Community College of Aurora
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
This certificate program shows earnings that lag behind both Colorado's allied health median ($49,646) and the national benchmark ($45,746), placing it in the bottom quartile of similar programs statewide. The first-year earnings of $37,502 trail other Denver-area community colleges significantly—Red Rocks graduates earn nearly three times more, while even nearby Arapahoe Community College produces median earnings 57% higher. These gaps suggest the certificate may focus on lower-paid allied health roles or that local job placement networks aren't as strong.
The positive news is the debt burden stays manageable at $10,925, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 that most graduates can handle. The 28% earnings growth over four years also indicates career progression, with year-four earnings reaching $48,153. However, keep in mind these figures come from a very small graduate sample—fewer than 30 students—which makes them less reliable predictors of what your child might experience.
If your student is set on allied health, other Colorado community colleges demonstrate stronger outcomes in this field. Before committing, find out which specific certifications this program offers and compare them to what higher-earning programs like Red Rocks or Community College of Denver provide. The credential type matters enormously in allied health—some certifications open doors to well-paid roles while others lead to entry-level positions with limited advancement.
Where Community College of Aurora Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Community College of Aurora graduates compare to all programs nationally
Community College of Aurora graduates earn $38k, placing them in the 22th percentile of all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (19 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community College of Aurora | $37,502 | $48,153 | $10,925 | 0.29 |
| Red Rocks Community College | $104,021 | $85,378 | $22,170 | 0.21 |
| Community College of Denver | $72,086 | $47,037 | $32,510 | 0.45 |
| Arapahoe Community College | $59,024 | $54,900 | $11,454 | 0.19 |
| Aims Community College | $51,145 | $42,606 | $12,000 | 0.23 |
| Colorado Mountain College | $48,148 | $45,147 | $13,500 | 0.28 |
| National Median | $45,746 | — | $14,167 | 0.31 |
Other Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Programs in Colorado
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Colorado schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Rocks Community College Lakewood | $4,707 | $104,021 | $22,170 |
| Community College of Denver Denver | $4,902 | $72,086 | $32,510 |
| Arapahoe Community College Littleton | $4,308 | $59,024 | $11,454 |
| Aims Community College Greeley | $2,090 | $51,145 | $12,000 |
| Colorado Mountain College Glenwood Springs | $2,700 | $48,148 | $13,500 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Community College of Aurora, approximately 16% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 18 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.