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Cheapest Air Transportation Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Texas A&M University-Central Texas stands out with a net price of just $1,113 for Air Transportation programs, creating an extraordinary value gap in aviation education. This Killeen campus accepts 95.71% of applicants while maintaining costs nearly four times lower than most alternatives. California State University-Los Angeles follows at $4,113, yet graduates earning $38,829 demonstrate solid returns on investment. The aviation industry across Texas benefits from proximity to major airlines, military installations, and aerospace manufacturers, creating steady demand for trained professionals. Eastern New Mexico University graduates command the highest salaries at $97,959, though their 27.55% acceptance rate reflects more selective admission standards. Ohio University operates multiple regional campuses offering Air Transportation programs, with graduation rates ranging from 12.10% to 20.00% across different locations. Community colleges like Sinclair provide alternative pathways at $5,741 net cost, while private institutions in Puerto Rico offer programs starting around $7,600.
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 $1,113 net price at Texas A&M University-Central Texas?

Texas A&M-Central Texas achieves this remarkably low cost through state funding and generous financial aid packages. The 95.71% acceptance rate indicates open enrollment policies that keep administrative costs down. Military families in the Killeen area often qualify for additional educational benefits, further reducing out-of-pocket expenses for many students.

How do graduation rates vary across Ohio University campuses?

Ohio University's regional campuses show completion rates between 12.10% and 20.00%, with Eastern Campus performing best at 20.00%. These branch locations share the same $22,067 average debt load across all campuses. The lower graduation rates reflect the challenges faced by students in rural communities who often attend part-time while working.

Is Eastern New Mexico University worth the selective admission process?

Eastern New Mexico graduates earn $97,959 annually, nearly 2.5 times the program average, despite the 27.55% acceptance rate. The $6,199 net cost remains reasonable compared to earnings potential. Students face $17,000 in debt, but the high salary outcomes typically support faster loan repayment than other programs.

Does California State University-Los Angeles provide good value?

Cal State LA offers solid value with $4,113 net cost and $38,829 graduate earnings, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio. The 52.60% graduation rate exceeds most competitors in this price range. Los Angeles provides internship opportunities with major airlines, cargo companies, and aircraft maintenance facilities that improve job prospects.

Where do community colleges fit in Air Transportation education?

Sinclair Community College in Dayton represents the community college approach at $5,741 net cost with a 31.90% graduation rate. The $3,435 in-state tuition keeps debt minimal while providing foundational aviation training. Dayton's aerospace industry presence, including Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, creates local employment opportunities for graduates seeking entry-level positions.

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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.