Concorde Career College-Aurora

The median earnings of $42,456 ten years after entry suggest a moderate return on investment, especially considering the median debt of $9,500. However, without specific tuition costs, a full ROI analysis is challenging.

The graduation rate at Concorde Career College-Aurora is 66.4%.

The median earnings 10 years after entry are $42,456, indicating the general earning potential for graduates.

The median debt at graduation is $9,500, which is relatively low compared to the median 10-year earnings of $42,456.

The student body is diverse, with significant Hispanic (38.3%) and Black (18.0%) populations, alongside White (21.1%) and Asian (4.3%) students.

Concorde Career College-Aurora has a high admission rate of 90.5%, indicating that it is relatively accessible for most applicants. This suggests that the primary admissions criteria likely focus on meeting basic educational prerequisites, such as having a high school diploma or GED, and potentially passing an entrance exam or interview, rather than stringent academic qualifications. The high acceptance rate is characteristic of many career-focused institutions that aim to provide vocational training to a broad range of students seeking to enter specific trades or professions quickly. While getting accepted is generally not a significant hurdle, prospective students should still ensure they meet all stated requirements and understand the program's demands. It's advisable to contact the admissions office directly for the most current and detailed information on the application process, required documentation, and any specific aptitude tests or interviews that may be part of the evaluation.

Determining if Concorde Career College-Aurora is 'worth the money' requires a careful cost-benefit analysis. With a median debt of $9,500 and median 10-year earnings of $42,456, the financial return is moderate. This means graduates can likely repay their debt within a reasonable timeframe, but the earnings potential might not lead to substantial long-term wealth accumulation solely from their initial roles. The value proposition hinges on the specific program of study. If Concorde offers training in high-demand, well-compensated fields within the Aurora/Denver area, such as specialized nursing support, medical assisting, or advanced automotive technology, the investment could be justified by securing stable, well-paying employment relatively quickly. The graduation rate of 66.4% suggests that a significant portion of students do complete their programs, which is a positive indicator. However, prospective students must compare these potential outcomes against the cost of alternative training options, including community colleges or other vocational schools, and research the average starting salaries for graduates in their chosen field in the local job market. If the career services effectively place graduates in jobs that align with their training and offer a salary significantly above the median, then Concorde could be a good investment for career advancement.

Concorde Career College-Aurora specializes in career-focused programs, with a strong emphasis typically placed on allied health and skilled trades. While specific program rankings are not publicly available, based on industry demand in the Denver-Aurora area, programs such as Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, and potentially Pharmacy Technician or Surgical Technology are often strong choices. These fields consistently show demand in the local healthcare sector, which is a major employer. For those interested in non-healthcare fields, programs related to automotive technology or HVAC could also be considered, given the ongoing need for skilled tradespeople. The 'best' major ultimately depends on individual career aspirations, aptitude, and the specific job market outlook for that profession. Prospective students should research the job placement rates and average starting salaries for each program offered at Concorde, and consider which fields align with their personal interests and long-term career goals. Engaging with career services and current students can provide valuable insights into the perceived strengths and marketability of different programs.

Student life at Concorde Career College-Aurora is likely to be highly focused on academic and career preparation, characteristic of a vocational institution. As a smaller college with 256 students, the campus environment may feel more intimate than a large university. Social activities and traditional campus culture, such as extensive clubs, sports teams, or large-scale events, might be less prominent. The primary focus is on delivering the specific skills and knowledge required for graduates to enter their chosen professions. Students are likely to be adults, many balancing education with work and family responsibilities. The student body will probably be diverse in age and background, united by the common goal of career advancement. While formal extracurriculars may be limited, opportunities for interaction and networking likely exist within classrooms, labs, and through career services events. The Aurora location offers access to the broader Denver metropolitan area's cultural and recreational activities, which students can pursue outside of their academic commitments. The overall student experience is geared towards efficiency and direct career outcomes.

Concorde Career College-Aurora, like most private for-profit institutions, relies heavily on federal financial aid programs to help students finance their education. This typically includes Federal Pell Grants (for eligible undergraduate students with financial need), Federal Direct Student Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized), and Federal Direct PLUS Loans for parents or graduate students. Institutional aid may also be available, though often in the form of scholarships tied to specific programs or academic merit, which are less common at career colleges compared to traditional universities. Given the absence of published tuition costs, it's difficult to provide specific figures on the average aid package. However, prospective students should expect that a significant portion of their education will likely be financed through loans, contributing to the reported median debt of $9,500. It is crucial for applicants to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for federal aid. The college's financial aid office is the best resource for detailed information on available aid, application procedures, and personalized financial planning assistance.

The median earnings for graduates of Concorde Career College-Aurora over a 10-year period are reported as $42,456. However, this is a broad median across all programs and timeframes. Actual salaries can vary significantly based on the specific program of study, the graduate's performance, and the local job market demand in Aurora and the greater Denver area. For instance, graduates from allied health programs like Medical Assisting or Dental Assisting might expect starting salaries in the range of $35,000 to $45,000 annually, potentially increasing with experience and specialization. Graduates from technical programs, such as automotive technology, could see similar starting figures, with opportunities for higher earnings in specialized roles or management. It is essential for prospective students to inquire about the average starting salaries and typical career progression for graduates of their specific intended program directly from Concorde's career services department. They should also research industry salary data for entry-level positions in the Denver-Aurora region to set realistic expectations. While the overall median is $42,456, aiming for programs that demonstrably lead to higher earning potential is advisable.

Concorde Career College-Aurora does not appear to offer on-campus housing or dormitory facilities. As a career-focused institution, its model typically centers around providing vocational training in urban or suburban settings, often drawing students from the local commuting population. This means that students are generally expected to arrange their own living accommodations in the surrounding Aurora or Denver metropolitan area. Prospective students who are not local residents would need to secure off-campus housing, such as renting apartments or rooms in shared housing. The college's website and admissions counselors can usually provide resources or guidance on finding off-campus living options and may have lists of local apartment complexes or general advice for students seeking housing. Therefore, the 'dorm experience' is not a feature of attending Concorde Career College-Aurora; students should budget for off-campus living expenses as part of their overall cost of attendance.

Concorde Career College-Aurora is not designed as a research-intensive institution. Its primary mission is to provide vocational training and prepare students for immediate entry into specific career fields, such as allied health or skilled trades. Research opportunities, in the traditional academic sense involving extensive scholarly inquiry, faculty-led research projects, or graduate-level thesis work, are generally not a focus at career colleges. The curriculum is typically skills-based and practical, emphasizing hands-on training and the application of established knowledge rather than the generation of new research. While students might engage in projects or case studies as part of their coursework that involve information gathering and analysis, these are usually within the scope of applied learning for their chosen profession, not independent academic research. Therefore, students seeking a robust research environment or opportunities to contribute to academic scholarship would likely find other types of higher education institutions, such as universities with graduate programs, to be a better fit.

Concorde Career College-Aurora operates within the sector of private, for-profit career colleges, often focusing on allied health and technical fields. It competes with other institutions offering similar vocational training. Realistic alternatives include other campuses within the Concorde network, as well as local technical colleges and private career schools like Pima Medical Institute-Denver or Emily Griffith Technical College. Compared to these peers, Concorde's advantages might lie in its specific program offerings, established employer partnerships in the Aurora area, and potentially more flexible scheduling. However, disadvantages could include higher tuition costs relative to public technical colleges, which often offer more affordable options. The graduation rate of 66.4% is a key metric; while not exceptionally high, it is comparable to or potentially better than some other for-profit institutions. The median debt of $9,500 is relatively low, which is a positive differentiator, especially when compared to institutions with significantly higher student loan burdens. Ultimately, Concorde's value is determined by its ability to deliver specific, in-demand skills that lead to successful employment outcomes in the local market, often at a faster pace than traditional degree programs.

Employer perception of graduates from Concorde Career College-Aurora is largely dependent on the specific industry and the employer's familiarity with the institution's programs. As a career college, Concorde aims to equip students with practical, job-ready skills, which is generally valued by employers seeking entry-level staff. In fields like allied health, where Concorde often places graduates, employers like HCA Healthcare (HealthONE) and various local clinics and practices tend to value candidates who possess the necessary certifications and hands-on training. The college's career services department plays a crucial role in building relationships with local employers and facilitating internships and job placements, which can positively influence employer perception. While a degree from a for-profit career college might not carry the same broad recognition as one from a large public university, employers in targeted vocational fields often recognize Concorde graduates for their specific skill sets and preparedness for the demands of the role. The key factor for employers is the graduate's ability to perform the job effectively from day one.