At $9,535/yr net price, Aims Community College graduates earn $41,887/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,887/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,535 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $38,140 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,887/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,887/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,844 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,584/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,586/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,917/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,412/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,329/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,995 | $11,838 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $53,358 | $5,500 |
| Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $50,856 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,682 | $6,500 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $39,909 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $38,289 | |
| Air Transportation. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $32,391 | |
| Graphic Communications. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $28,909 | $7,000 |
The Risk Factor
35.1% of students at Aims Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Aims Community College offers solid financial returns for career-focused students, with a low net price of $9,535 annually and manageable debt loads. The school's strongest ROI comes from healthcare and technical programs that connect directly to Colorado's regional job market.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner, generating median earnings of $57,995 despite higher debt of $11,838. Criminal justice also performs well at $53,358 with just $5,500 in debt. The mining and petroleum technologies program hits $50,856 in earnings, reflecting Colorado's energy sector demand. These technical programs deliver immediate career entry points with wages that justify the investment.
The school's main financial risk lies in its 35% graduation rate. If you don't complete your program, you'll carry debt without the credential needed for higher-paying positions. The 63% retention rate suggests many students struggle to stay enrolled, which could indicate academic preparation gaps or life circumstances that interfere with completion.
Aims works best for students who need affordable, practical training for specific careers rather than broad academic exploration. The low percentage receiving financial aid (17%) suggests most students can afford the modest costs without heavy borrowing. This makes Aims particularly suitable for working adults or students with family support who want job-ready skills quickly.
Your success at Aims depends heavily on choosing the right program and finishing it. Healthcare and technical fields offer the strongest returns, while general studies or lower-earning programs may not justify even the modest costs. The school's value proposition centers on completing career-specific training that leads directly to employment in Colorado's Front Range region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aims Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $9,535 per year and median debt of only $6,844, Aims Community College offers good value for students who complete their programs. However, the 35% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly reduces the return on investment.
What are the highest paying programs at Aims Community College?
Nursing programs at Aims Community College lead to the highest earnings at nearly $58,000 annually, followed by criminal justice at $53,358. These programs justify the cost better than most others at the school.
How much debt do Aims Community College graduates typically have?
Aims Community College graduates have a median debt of $6,844, which is relatively low for higher education. This manageable debt load helps improve the overall return on investment for students who complete their programs.
Do Aims Community College graduates earn good salaries?
Aims Community College graduates earn a median of $41,887 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable given the low cost and debt. Earnings vary significantly by program, with nursing and criminal justice graduates earning considerably more than the average.