Air Transportation at Aims Community College

Is $13,000 in debt reasonable for an aviation program? Based on comparable associate's programs nationally, Aims appears positioned competitively, though sparse graduate numbers mean we're working with educated guesses rather than track records. The estimated first-year earnings of $42,492 put graduates at the national median for air transportation programs, with debt levels slightly below typical—yielding a manageable 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio that could be paid down within months of employment.

The four-year earnings jump to $75,481 tells the more interesting story. Aviation careers often follow clear progression paths as pilots and technicians accumulate flight hours and certifications, and this nearly 80% earnings increase suggests graduates are successfully navigating those advancement ladders. That trajectory aligns with industry patterns where early career sacrifice gives way to solid middle-class earnings as credentials stack up.

The practical concern is that with only three programs statewide and limited graduate data, you're evaluating Aims against national averages rather than Colorado-specific outcomes. Aviation is highly portable—your child could end up working anywhere—but local job market strength matters for that crucial first position. If Aims has strong relationships with Denver International Airport or regional carriers, those connections could matter more than these estimated numbers. Ask the program directly about placement rates and employer partnerships before committing.