Concorde Career College-Aurora

With under 200 undergraduates, the campus (now relocated to Denver's 4300 N. Kittredge St address) fosters a commuter-school intimacy ([19], [20]). Described as having a 'welcoming and supportive' environment ([21]), it hosts holiday events like pancake breakfasts but lacks traditional college amenities ([18]). The student body is 78% minority ([12]), many balancing jobs with studies. Urban Denver location provides access to clinical rotations and potential employers, but there's little emphasis on extracurriculars—this is a place to train, then graduate quickly.

Graduation rates vary wildly by source—from 33% 'on-time' completion ([24]) to 63.6%-80% overall ([25], [26]). Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment sit at $42,456 ([26]), though this likely reflects the mix of short-term certificates and longer programs. The college doesn't publish detailed job placement rates, but its healthcare focus aligns with in-demand fields. Retention data is sparse, suggesting some students may leave after gaining basic certifications rather than completing full programs.

Tuition runs approximately $16,376 after aid, with 87% of first-year students receiving financial assistance ([27], [32]). The average aid package is $4,014-$6,524 ([29], [32]), including institutional grants for qualifying students ([28]). As a for-profit institution, costs are higher than community colleges but lower than traditional 4-year schools. The net priceNet priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator warns estimates aren't binding ([30]), and some scholarships (like the Desoto Family Theater award) have limited funding ([31]).

Concorde-Aurora (now Denver) carves its niche through hyper-speed healthcare training: no gen-ed requirements, monthly start dates, and programs designed to get students licensed and working in under two years. Its 78% minority enrollment ([12]) reflects success serving non-traditional students, while the 8:1 student-faculty ratio ([12])—if accurate—suggests unusually hands-on instruction for a career college. The trade-off? Limited campus life and variable outcomes data. Ideal for those seeking the fastest possible route into allied health jobs, less so for explorers wanting a traditional college experience.