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Air Transportation Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Eastern New Mexico University stands out among budget-friendly air transportation programs with graduates earning $97,959 annually, nearly triple the median for this field. While most schools in this price range charge between $1,113 and $9,104 net annually, the earnings gap tells a more complex story about career outcomes. Texas A&M University-Central Texas offers the lowest net cost at just $1,113, though with a 95.71% acceptance rate that suggests open enrollment policies. The aviation industry across the Southwest and Mountain West regions has expanded rapidly due to cargo hubs, regional airlines, and military training facilities, creating steady demand for trained professionals. California State University-Los Angeles provides another accessible pathway at $4,113 net cost, positioning graduates near major airports like LAX where cargo operations and passenger services generate thousands of aviation jobs. Ohio University operates multiple regional campuses offering air transportation training, though graduation rates vary significantly from 12.1% to 20% across locations, reflecting different student populations and program structures.
50
Programs
$1,113 – $14,715
Net Price Range
$42,800
Avg. Program Earnings
41.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Air Transportation Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $1,113 $6,627 95.7%
2 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
3 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
4 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
5 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
6 $5,741 $3,435 31.9%
7 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
8 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
9 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
10 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
11 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
12 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
13 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
14 $7,871 $26,300 23.5%
15 $8,036 $5,580 35.4% 33.3%
16 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
17 $8,783 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
18 $8,964 $5,580 31.6% 46.8%
19 $9,027 $3,366 34.0%
20 $9,104 $8,400 53.2%
21 $9,173 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
22 $9,957 $8,064 36.1% 64.6%
23 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
24 $10,874 $13,120 49.7% 57.2%
25 $11,130 68.3% 52.9%
26 $11,147 $9,172 42.5% 69.8%
27 $11,353 $8,618 23.3%
28 $11,432 $6,770 59.0% 83.9%
29 $11,633 $9,190 50.6% 70.1%
30 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
31 $12,209 $10,125 57.6% 62.4%
32 $12,267 $10,110 47.6%
33 $12,447 $4,580 41.2%
34 $12,473 $21,000 23.0%
35 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
36 $12,791 $8,370 47.5% 85.9%
37 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
38 $12,915 $8,319 40.7% 79.1%
39 $13,253 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
40 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
41 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
42 $13,778 $8,605 46.9% 98.6%
43 $13,780 $7,566 28.9% 65.3%
44 $13,922 $4,432 25.6% 99.7%
45 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
46 $14,035 $8,898 34.6% 81.6%
47 $14,294 $10,780 29.9% 97.9%
48 $14,352 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
49 $14,485 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
50 $14,715 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings difference between air transportation programs under $20,000?

Eastern New Mexico University graduates earn $97,959 annually while Elizabeth City State University graduates average $26,353, showing how program focus and regional job markets create vastly different outcomes. The higher-earning programs often emphasize technical training for aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, or commercial piloting rather than general aviation management. Geographic location also matters significantly, as programs near major airports or military installations typically connect students with better-paying career tracks. Some lower-cost programs may focus more on entry-level positions or associate degree pathways that lead to different salary ranges.

How do graduation rates vary among affordable air transportation programs?

Graduation rates span from 12.1% at Ohio University-Chillicothe to 52.6% at California State University-Los Angeles, reflecting different student populations and program designs. Community colleges like Sinclair show 31.9% completion rates, which aligns with typical two-year program outcomes where students often transfer or enter the workforce mid-program. Regional campus programs tend to have lower completion rates than main campuses, partly because they serve more part-time and working students. The 20% average graduation rate across Ohio University regional campuses suggests these programs attract students who may be exploring aviation careers while managing other commitments.

Where do the most affordable air transportation programs operate?

Texas leads with the lowest net cost at $1,113 through Texas A&M University-Central Texas, while Ohio operates multiple regional campuses with costs around $5,000 to $6,500. Public universities dominate the affordable category, with in-state tuition ranging from $3,412 at Elizabeth City State to $7,358 at CUNY York College. Ohio University's distributed campus model allows students across the state to access aviation training without relocating, though debt levels average $22,067 across all Ohio locations. Private institutions like Inter American University campuses in Puerto Rico offer competitive pricing around $7,600 to $8,000 net cost.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program quality in affordable air transportation schools?

Eastern New Mexico University accepts just 27.55% of applicants yet produces the highest-earning graduates at $97,959 annually, suggesting selective admissions can indicate rigorous programs. Texas A&M University-Central Texas accepts 95.71% of applicants with the lowest net cost, indicating an open-access approach rather than competitive selection. California State University-Los Angeles balances accessibility with outcomes, accepting 86.94% while maintaining a 52.6% graduation rate and $38,829 median earnings. The correlation between selectivity and outcomes varies significantly, as some schools prioritize access while others focus on intensive training for specific aviation careers.

What debt levels should students expect from budget air transportation programs?

Student debt varies from $14,914 at California State University-Los Angeles to $22,067 across Ohio University campuses, with most programs falling between these ranges. Eastern New Mexico University graduates carry $17,000 in debt but earn $97,959 annually, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio of about 1:5.8. The relatively moderate debt levels reflect the public nature of most affordable programs and shorter program durations compared to four-year degrees. Students should consider that aviation careers often require additional certifications and flight hours beyond the initial degree, which may involve additional training costs not reflected in these figures.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.