Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Aims Community College

Nursing programs in Colorado typically launch graduates into solid-paying jobs quickly, and the estimated trajectory here suggests Aims follows that pattern—with one notable exception. First-year earnings for similar Colorado nursing programs cluster around $71,600, putting graduates in position to comfortably handle the $20,750 in median debt (a manageable 0.29 ratio). What stands out, though, is the four-year earnings figure of $65,233—roughly $6,000 lower than the first-year estimate. This isn't the typical upward climb you'd expect in nursing careers, and it raises questions about whether graduates are finding full-time positions or staying in the field.

The debt load itself sits right at the national median for associate nursing programs, so nothing alarming there. And comparing estimated first-year outcomes to other Colorado community colleges with reported data—Morgan at $76,759, Front Range at $76,014—suggests Aims graduates likely enter a similar market with comparable opportunities. Colorado's nursing job market generally supports new ADN graduates well.

The practical concern is that unusual earnings dip at the four-year mark. It could reflect part-time work, career interruptions, or graduates pursuing further education rather than full-time nursing roles. For parents evaluating this program, the debt is reasonable and the credential opens doors to a stable profession, but you'll want to understand why that four-year number doesn't show growth—ask the program about employment patterns and whether graduates typically work full-time immediately after licensure.