Each April, Community College Month celebrates the vital role that community colleges play in our world.
Celebrating Community College Month: Why Aims Is the Best Decision Ever
April 04, 2025
The 2025 theme is the “best decision ever” because many students and graduates fondly remember their community college experience and how it has transformed their lives.
Debt-Free Degrees Are the Norm at Aims
Did you know that from 1968 through 2024, Aims graduated 36,969 students? Aims is the “best decision ever,” according to many who have attended it and acquired high-quality higher education with little or no student debt. You may have even seen the billboards across Northern Colorado boasting a surprising statistic that has received much attention: “91% of Aims students graduate without debt.”
Many learners are not burdened with student loans because tuition at Aims averages 50% less than nearby two-year schools and 80% less than area four-year institutions. Last year, the Aims Foundation awarded students $253,105 in foundation scholarships and grants. Additionally, the new Aims Tuition Promise initiative makes higher education tuition-free for many Coloradoans.
Affordability is just one aspect of the Aims story. The College emphasizes inclusivity, accessibility, student-focused learning, state-of-the-art facilities and small class sizes. Below are what some of our students and alumni say about why choosing Aims has been the “best decision ever.”
“It's been a journey just to get to Aims. I would tell my younger self, ‘This is where you should’ve been in the beginning.’”
Brian Bernal
Student
“Aims is worth the experience. Come to the college. You're not going to be disappointed. Aims has a wealth of knowledge, resources and community support. Coming to Aims will probably be one of the best decisions you've ever made.”
Danielle Irwin
Alumna
“The Aims community means accepting everybody. It's a culture of genuine people who just want to have an impact. Almost everybody I've interacted with wants to have some sort of positive impact on my life.”
Darlene Ramirez
Student
“Do it. Take the leap. Come to Aims. The only thing that's holding anybody back from being successful here is themselves. And Aims has all of the tools that you need in order to be successful.”
Isaiah Salas
Student
“When you actually come here and realize it really is a community, well, that's a game changer. I love the people here, the events here, the clubs, organizations. It's definitely going to be a big part of my life. I feel like even in the future, 10 years from now.”
Jeremiah Silva
Student
“The Aims community, to me, means just a sense of belonging. Aims has the tagline "All In." And you might think it's like, ‘Students, you go all in on your studies,’ but it's, ‘The Aims community is all in for you.’ They'll give you everything you need, everything you want just to help you succeed and move forward and make a difference.”
Jeff Thatch
Student
Aims encourages current and former students, supporters, business partners, and our community to join the 2025 Community College Month campaign to bring attention to the value and importance of the college to our community. Use the hashtags #CCMonth and #BestDecisionEver, and make sure you tag Aims in your posts.
Stay connected with Aims on social media to see more ways the college fosters community growth and transforms lives through the power of education.
Ready to make the best decision ever? Take the first step toward your future and apply today at aims.co/apply.
