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Best Value Air Transportation Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Eastern New Mexico University graduates in Air Transportation earn $97,959 annually, nearly triple the field average and among the highest for any aviation program nationwide. This standout performance comes at a net cost of just $6,199, creating an strong return on investment that few programs can match. The aviation industry employs over 2.6 million Americans, with the Southwest region experiencing particularly strong growth due to major airline hubs in Dallas, Phoenix, and Denver. California State University-Los Angeles offers the lowest net price at $4,113, while acceptance rates across these 20 programs range from a selective 27.55% at Eastern New Mexico to an accessible 93.49% at Central Washington University. Most programs cluster around $12,000-$14,000 in annual costs, making aviation education surprisingly affordable compared to other technical fields. Graduation rates vary significantly, from 28.90% at University of Alaska Anchorage to 64.70% at San Jose State University, reflecting different student populations and program structures.
50
Programs
$4,113 – $40,289
Net Price Range
$44,176
Avg. Program Earnings
53.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Air Transportation Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,199 $97,959 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
2 $4,113 $38,829 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
3 $4,734 $32,653 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
4 $8,463 $50,635 $6,270 40.7%
5 $9,173 $42,682 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
6 $14,352 $56,415 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
7 $9,962 $38,721 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
8 $12,791 $46,673 $8,370 47.5% 85.9%
9 $7,237 $26,353 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
10 $12,209 $44,356 $10,125 57.6% 62.4%
11 $12,599 $43,240 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
12 $13,780 $44,984 $7,566 28.9% 65.3%
13 $14,715 $47,260 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
14 $12,188 $38,937 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
15 $13,741 $41,937 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
16 $13,945 $41,789 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
17 $14,294 $42,682 $10,780 29.9% 97.9%
18 $13,922 $39,369 $4,432 25.6% 99.7%
19 $13,670 $38,072 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
20 $17,084 $47,260 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
21 $12,869 $35,416 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
22 $18,609 $51,106 $9,490 54.1% 70.7%
23 $8,783 $24,035 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
24 $17,413 $45,715 $9,595 75.3% 72.9%
25 $17,883 $46,478 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
26 $18,292 $46,869 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
27 $18,508 $46,478 $33,252 46.7% 75.2%
28 $19,733 $48,833 $11,665 21.6% 57.7%
29 $20,413 $50,465 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
30 $16,177 $39,950 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
31 $18,370 $44,542 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
32 $18,701 $45,044 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
33 $17,970 $41,565 $11,389 54.6% 87.7%
34 $18,998 $43,368 $10,951 63.3% 83.3%
35 $19,614 $44,356 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
36 $16,378 $36,141 $10,234 65.9% 70.6%
37 $20,918 $44,384 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
38 $27,704 $57,318 $20,768 57.8% 70.4%
39 $14,035 $28,598 $8,898 34.6% 81.6%
40 $23,250 $43,798 $40,065 41.1% 85.1%
41 $25,374 $47,650 $12,240 92.0%
42 $19,734 $35,060 $9,173 19.9% 96.8%
43 $26,255 $44,835 $46,180 57.0% 57.7%
44 $25,314 $41,565 $35,500 61.1% 48.8%
45 $26,536 $42,682 $41,416 69.4% 69.8%
46 $29,552 $46,924 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
47 $35,300 $47,650 $44,360 65.5% 64.4%
48 $39,983 $48,833 $42,204 69.8% 68.0%
49 $40,289 $48,833 $42,304 67.4% 64.5%
50 $39,723 $39,523 $28,850 39.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Eastern New Mexico University's Air Transportation program such good value?

Eastern New Mexico University graduates earn $97,959 annually while paying just $6,199 in net costs, creating one of the strongest cost-to-earnings ratios in higher education. The program maintains selective admissions with a 27.55% acceptance rate, suggesting rigorous academic standards. Despite a 39.80% graduation rate that appears modest, the earning potential for completers far exceeds the national average for aviation graduates.

How do California schools compare for Air Transportation value?

California State University-Los Angeles offers the lowest net cost at $4,113 with graduates earning $38,829, while San Jose State University costs $13,741 but produces the highest graduation rate at 64.70% with $41,937 in earnings. Cal State LA accepts 86.94% of applicants compared to San Jose's 76.71%. Both schools benefit from proximity to major airports and aerospace employers in the Los Angeles and Bay Area markets.

Is there a significant difference between in-state and out-of-state costs?

In-state tuition ranges from $3,412 at Elizabeth City State University to $11,164 at University of North Texas, creating substantial savings opportunities. Some schools like Utah Valley University actually charge higher in-state rates ($6,270) than their net price ($8,463), indicating strong financial aid programs. The $7,752 spread between highest and lowest in-state costs means careful state selection can save thousands annually.

Does graduation rate correlate with earning potential in these programs?

The data reveals no clear correlation between graduation rates and earnings. Eastern New Mexico has a 39.80% graduation rate but $97,959 earnings, while San Jose State achieves 64.70% graduation rates with $41,937 earnings. University of Alaska Anchorage shows the lowest completion rate at 28.90% but graduates still earn $44,984. This suggests that completion challenges may relate more to program rigor than career outcomes.

Where do students graduate with the lowest debt burdens?

Cal State LA graduates typically carry $14,914 in debt, the lowest among reporting schools, while still earning $38,829 annually. Eastern New Mexico graduates have $17,000 in debt but offset this with the highest salaries at $97,959. Farmingdale State College offers a middle ground with $18,000 debt and $42,682 earnings. Several schools did not report debt data, making direct comparisons incomplete.

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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.