Analysis
Peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $63,549 for marketing certificate holders, while estimated debt of $19,500 sits slightly below the national median—creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 that looks manageable on paper. However, these figures are derived from similar certificate programs elsewhere since this specific program's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes. That makes it difficult to know whether Aims Community College's particular approach to marketing education delivers comparable results.
The fundamental challenge with any undergraduate marketing certificate is whether employers value it enough to justify the investment. Marketing roles often favor bachelor's degrees or practical experience over certificates, and without actual placement data from Aims, you're essentially betting that their curriculum and local connections will produce outcomes matching the national average. The relatively low Pell grant percentage (17%) might suggest this serves a different student population than typical community college programs, possibly working adults seeking credentials rather than first-time students.
Before committing, verify how Aims marketing certificate graduates actually fare in Colorado's job market—not what national estimates suggest they might earn. Ask the school directly about graduate outcomes, employer partnerships, and whether this certificate serves primarily as a standalone credential or a stepping stone to further education. The estimated numbers look reasonable, but they're not this school's track record.
Where Aims Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Marketing certificate's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,090 | $63,549* | — | $19,500* | — | |
| — | $63,549* | — | —* | — | |
| — | $63,549* | — | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| — | $63,549* | — | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| — | $63,549* | — | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| $9,552 | $63,549* | — | $22,060* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $63,549* | — | $22,060* | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with marketing graduates
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Marketing Managers
Sales Managers
Fundraising Managers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Fundraisers
Survey Researchers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Aims Community College, approximately 17% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 8 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.