Air transportation programs prepare students for careers in aviation management, airport operations, and airline logistics. With only 50 schools nationwide offering this specialized major, graduates enter a competitive but growing field where the median starting salary reaches $44,176.
When evaluating programs, students should prioritize schools with Federal Aviation Administration certifications, partnerships with major airlines, and access to flight simulators or airport facilities. Look for curricula covering aviation safety, air traffic management, and regulatory compliance. Strong internship programs with airlines, airports, or government agencies provide essential hands-on experience. Consider location proximity to major aviation hubs, as this often translates to better networking opportunities and job placement rates upon graduation.
When evaluating programs, students should prioritize schools with Federal Aviation Administration certifications, partnerships with major airlines, and access to flight simulators or airport facilities. Look for curricula covering aviation safety, air traffic management, and regulatory compliance. Strong internship programs with airlines, airports, or government agencies provide essential hands-on experience. Consider location proximity to major aviation hubs, as this often translates to better networking opportunities and job placement rates upon graduation.
25
Schools Ranked
$49,900
Avg. Program Earnings
56.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate
Top 25 Schools
| # | School | Median Earnings | Graduation Rate | School Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
Portales, New Mexico
|
$97,959 | 39.8% | public |
| 2 |
Everglades University
Boca Raton, Florida
|
$57,318 | 57.8% | private-nonprofit |
| 3 |
University of North Texas
Denton, Texas
|
$56,415 | 59.6% | public |
| 4 |
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, Minnesota
|
$51,106 | 54.1% | public |
| 5 |
Utah Valley University
Orem, Utah
|
$50,635 | 40.7% | public |
| 6 |
Ohio University-Main Campus
Athens, Ohio
|
$50,465 | 66.4% | public |
| 7 |
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
Prescott, Arizona
|
$48,833 | 69.8% | private-nonprofit |
| 8 |
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, Florida
|
$48,833 | 67.4% | private-nonprofit |
| 9 |
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
Daytona Beach, Florida
|
$48,833 | 21.6% | private-nonprofit |
| 10 |
Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, Florida
|
$47,650 | 65.5% | private-nonprofit |
| 11 |
Florida Institute of Technology-Online
Melbourne, Florida
|
$47,650 | private-nonprofit | |
| 12 |
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, Michigan
|
$47,260 | 45.5% | public |
| 13 |
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, Washington
|
$47,260 | 49.9% | public |
| 14 |
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
|
$46,924 | 63.5% | private-nonprofit |
| 15 |
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus, Ohio
|
$46,869 | 87.7% | public |
| 16 |
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, Nebraska
|
$46,673 | 47.5% | public |
| 17 |
Rocky Mountain College
Billings, Montana
|
$46,478 | 46.7% | private-nonprofit |
| 18 |
Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
|
$46,478 | 70.5% | public |
| 19 |
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Norman, Oklahoma
|
$45,715 | 75.3% | public |
| 20 |
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
|
$45,044 | 57.8% | public |
| 21 |
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska
|
$44,984 | 28.9% | public |
| 22 |
Jacksonville University
Jacksonville, Florida
|
$44,835 | 57.0% | private-nonprofit |
| 23 |
Lewis University
Romeoville, Illinois
|
$44,542 | 62.6% | private-nonprofit |
| 24 |
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
Bowling Green, Ohio
|
$44,384 | 62.8% | public |
| 25 |
Kent State University at Kent
Kent, Ohio
|
$44,356 | 65.5% | public |
Browse all Air Transportation programs →
Cost & Value
Related Guides
See our methodology for how rankings are calculated.