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 gives you a low-cost, low-debt path with modest earnings on the other side. You'll leave with a median debt of $6,844, which is roughly two months of the $41,887 median salary graduates earn ten years out. That debt-to-earnings ratio is the strongest thing this school has going for it. Few schools let you finish owing this little.
The catch is the earnings ceiling and the completion odds. A median salary in the low $40,000s means Aims works as an affordable start, not a finish line. Only about a third of students graduate, and roughly one in three first-year students doesn't return. If you enroll, your biggest financial risk here isn't debt, it's paying tuition, dropping out, and having no credential to show for it. The low net price only pays off if you actually complete.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed, so treat this as a place to knock out credits, earn a certificate, or transfer, and judge the payoff by where you go next.
The net price tiers run backwards from what you'd expect. If your family earns under $30,000, you'll pay about $8,584 a year, less than every higher bracket. Families earning $48,000 to $75,000 pay close to $11,000, and both brackets above $75,000 pay over $13,000. Aid cushions the lowest incomes most, so a tight budget doesn't shut you out.
Aims is a good fit if you live near Greeley, want to keep debt near zero, and have a clear plan to transfer or finish a specific credential. Look elsewhere if you need a four-year degree with higher earnings baked in, or if you're unsure you'll stick around, given the retention numbers.
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.