Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Aims Community College

Aims Community College's liberal arts associate degree lands in an interesting middle ground: it beats the national average by nearly $2,600 in first-year earnings but falls below Colorado's median by about $4,000. That 40th percentile ranking within Colorado matters because most students will stay in-state, where they're competing with community colleges like Aurora and Arapahoe that post starting earnings near $39,000.

The positives are straightforward. Graduates see solid 24% earnings growth over four years, reaching nearly $37,000, and the $9,152 debt load is manageable—roughly three months of first-year salary. For a general studies degree that often serves as a transfer foundation rather than a terminal credential, keeping debt under $10,000 is responsible. The program performs exactly as intended: affordable, accessible education that gets students started without financial burden.

However, that state ranking should spark a conversation about whether this is the best Colorado option. Students can access programs at comparable community colleges that deliver $8,000-$10,000 more in annual earnings with similar debt levels. For families within driving distance of Denver metro campuses, the extra earnings could mean thousands more over a career. If Aims is your local option or transfer plans are already set, it's a sensible choice. But if geography permits flexibility, Colorado offers stronger alternatives in this same program category.