Community College of Denver — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
Community College of Denver serves Colorado's urban population with comprehensive academic and workforce programs. Established in 1967, the college offers over 100 degree and certificate programs with strengths in health sciences, business, and advanced manufacturing. The Auraria Campus, shared with two universities, features the 'Center for Workforce Initiatives.'
CCD's 'Urban Male Initiative' supports underrepresented students, while its 'Learning Commons' provides academic support. The college's 'Early College' programs allow high school students to earn credit. CCD maintains strong partnerships with Denver employers and institutions.
Community College of Denver Acceptance Rate
Community College of Denver (CCD) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Open Enrollment
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Community College of Denver Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Community College of Denver follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
CCD reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Check Your Admission Chances at CCD
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Community College of Denver's verified institutional data
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Community College of Denver (CCD) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into CCD Without SAT or ACT?
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for CCD
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
CCD provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Unlike many nursing programs that rank purely by points, CCD's Practical Nursing program explicitly evaluates work experience, healthcare training, and socioeconomic factors alongside academics - qualifying applicants may be invited to an interview and asked to write an essay on a pre-determined topic. If you have relevant healthcare work experience, make that a central part of your application narrative rather than assuming grades alone determine your outcome.
CCD/CU Denver students can access a defined 3+2 bridge (3 years prerequisites, 2 years nursing coursework) into CU Nursing's Traditional BSN program at the Anschutz Medical Campus - the highest-ranked nursing program in Colorado with strong NCLEX pass rates. Attend one of the specific pre-application information sessions (open to freshmen planning Summer 2028 entry, for example) rather than assuming this pathway is automatic.
CCD's INP program has a firm April 15 annual application deadline, requires a 3.0 GPA to apply and maintain, and results in an A.G.S. degree recognized by transferring institutions for nursing program admission (though "Integrated Nursing Pathway" itself won't appear on your transcript). Know this naming quirk in advance so you're not confused when your diploma doesn't literally say "nursing."
CCD is the only community college in the nation sharing a single campus with a four-year college (Metropolitan State University) and a research university (CU Denver), giving students access to a shared library, recreational facilities, and a performing arts center. Reference this specific tri-institutional campus structure when discussing resource access or cross-enrollment opportunities in your application materials.
Because CCD's general admission is free and automatic for applicants 17+, students sometimes assume every health program at CCD follows the same low-friction path. It doesn't: the Practical Nursing holistic process, the competitive INP pathway, and the CU Nursing Bridge Pathway are three genuinely distinct routes with different deadlines, GPA thresholds, and application formats - conflating them, or assuming one general CCD application covers all three, is a common and costly mistake.
CCD Profile
Is a CCD Degree Worth It?
Getting into CCD can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. CCD offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at CCD is $61,500 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.52%.
How much does a degree from CCD Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Community College of Denver is $18,377. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Community College of Denver is $9,431.
31% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 17.2 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to CCD and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Community College of Denver, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist CCD as your choice in the form.
How much does a CCD Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $39,095. An average CCD graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at CCD
Bachelor Degree Programs
Associate Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About CCD Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $39,095 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $18,377 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
31.0% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
