Nestled next to the eastern edge of Denver, Aurora is home to over 350,000 people and lots of diversity — for instance, over 90 languages are spoken among the students in Aurora's public K-12 school system. It's home to Buckley Air Force Base, almost 100 municipal parks, three nature centers, and 5,000 of open space. There are plenty of ways college students in Aurora can maintain an active lifestyle.
Let's take a look at the education options for those who want to attend Aurora colleges.
One of the biggest colleges in Aurora that focuses on vocational education is Pickens Technical College. At Pickens Tech, students can earn certificates and college credits in areas such as construction and automotive technology, cosmetology, professional photography, welding, and more. Pickens Tech also partners with the Community College of Aurora to award associate degrees in over 40 areas of study. The Community College of Aurora was designated in 2016 an official Hispanic-Serving Institution.
Associate degree and diploma programs are also available through Concorde Career Colleges, where students focus on healthcare-related programs such as medical assisting, respiratory therapy and surgical technology.
A few colleges in Aurora offer four-year degree programs. Students at the Aurora location of Colorado Technical University can choose from campus-based or online programs in business administration, computer science, criminal justice, cybersecurity, IT, to name just a few.
Other Aurora colleges specialize in preparing students for careers in nursing. Platt College offers a BSN program with courses available online; high-performing students may also be eligible for a specialty capstone experience. American Sentinel University offers two ways to complete an RN-to-BSN program — a structured, course-based approach and a competency-based one that allows you to demonstrate your skills in innovative ways.
Two universities in Aurora offer advanced degree programs, American Sentinel University and Colorado Technical University. Both offer online master's degree programs. ASU's graduate-level programs focus on the nursing and business fields. Their selection of advanced nursing programs is particularly robust: Students who wish to pursue an M.S. in Nursing can choose from seven different specializations, while the Doctor of Nursing Practice is available with four specializations. CTU's master's-level programs focus on business administration, computer science, IT, criminal justice, and management.
Students who wish to explore additional higher education options in the state can view our list of Colorado colleges.
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