Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 37.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.9%
- Retention Rate
- 62.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $38,361
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $30,705
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 32.7%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $326/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,041 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $40,896 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $36,848 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $34,847 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $33,281 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
Outcomes Overview
California Aeronautical University graduates enter a job market with a 94.7% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for aviation professionals. The median debt of $30,705 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.82 against first-year earnings of $37,652. Monthly loan payments of $326 consume about 10.4% of gross monthly income, which is manageable compared to the national average of 8-10%. Most graduates pursue careers as pilots, aircraft mechanics, air traffic controllers, and aerospace technicians. Earnings grow to $38,361 after ten years, though this lags behind many four-year programs. The specialized aviation focus creates clear career pathways but limits flexibility. The return on investment is average, driven by high employment rates but modest salary growth.