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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.
25
Schools Ranked
$49,900
Avg. Program Earnings
56.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Top 25 Schools

College rankings
# School Median Earnings Graduation Rate School Type
1 $97,959 39.8% public
2 $57,318 57.8% private-nonprofit
3 $56,415 59.6% public
4 $51,106 54.1% public
5 $50,635 40.7% public
6 $50,465 66.4% public
7 $48,833 69.8% private-nonprofit
8 $48,833 67.4% private-nonprofit
9 $48,833 21.6% private-nonprofit
10 $47,650 65.5% private-nonprofit
11 $47,650 private-nonprofit
12 $47,260 45.5% public
13 $47,260 49.9% public
14 $46,924 63.5% private-nonprofit
15 $46,869 87.7% public
16 $46,673 47.5% public
17 $46,478 46.7% private-nonprofit
18 $46,478 70.5% public
19 $45,715 75.3% public
20 $45,044 57.8% public
21 $44,984 28.9% public
22 $44,835 57.0% private-nonprofit
23 $44,542 62.6% private-nonprofit
24 $44,384 62.8% public
25 $44,356 65.5% public

Browse all Air Transportation programs →

See our methodology for how rankings are calculated.