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$28,850Tuition
1,104Students
40%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$64,973Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

Vaughn College trains the next generation of aviation professionals through hands-on programs that mirror real industry conditions. The college enrolls 1,104 students on its urban campus in Flushing, just minutes from LaGuardia Airport. Students work with actual aircraft engines, avionics systems, and flight simulators rather than just studying theory. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in technical coursework that demands precision.

Students pay an average net price of $39,723 after financial aid, with 52.51% receiving federal Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $64,973 ten years after leaving school, making the typical monthly loan payment of $224 manageable for most. The median debt load of $21,125 is reasonable given that 91.5% of graduates find employment in their field. Aviation careers typically offer strong job security and growth potential as the industry expands.

The student body is 87.14% male, reflecting aviation industry demographics, though the college actively recruits women into aerospace programs. Nearly one-third of students are Hispanic, with significant Black and Asian populations creating a diverse learning environment. Most students are New Yorkers who stay local after graduation, often finding jobs at nearby airports, airlines, or aerospace companies.

Academics & Faculty

Aviation and aerospace programs anchor this technical college's academic identity. Students work with aircraft engines and flight simulators in hands-on labs that mirror industry standards. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentorship in specialized fields like aeronautical engineering, aircraft operations, and air traffic management. However, only 40% of students graduate within six years. The college's narrow focus means career preparation is intense but targeted. Graduates enter fields ranging from airline maintenance to air traffic control. Federal Aviation Administration certifications are woven into coursework. The technical curriculum emphasizes practical skills over liberal arts breadth. Students spend significant time in hangars and labs rather than lecture halls.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
14:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
39.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
39.9%
Retention Rate
67.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$64,973
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. Bachelor $61,516
Mechanical Engineering. Bachelor $56,415
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. Bachelor $53,358
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Associate $43,087
Air Transportation. Bachelor $39,523
Air Transportation. Associate $38,289

View all 14 programs →

Campus Life

Just 15 minutes from Manhattan, this aviation-focused campus sits in Queens near LaGuardia Airport. You'll hear jets overhead regularly, which feels fitting given that 87% of students are men studying aircraft maintenance, air traffic management, or engineering technology. The 191-bed residence hall houses only about 17% of the 1,104 students, so most commute from the surrounding boroughs.

Winters require heavy coats and boots for trudging through snow between hangars and classrooms. The campus feels more like a technical training facility than a traditional college, with aircraft maintenance labs and flight simulators taking center stage. With just 42 varsity athletes across 5 sports, school spirit centers more around aviation clubs and professional organizations than football games. Weekends often mean trips into Manhattan or hanging out in nearby Flushing's diverse food scene. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially important when you're learning to work on million-dollar aircraft. Many students work part-time at area airports, blending classroom theory with real-world experience.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
191 beds
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Fondling 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
26°–39°F
July Avg
69°–85°F
Annual Precipitation
44.7"
Annual Snowfall
26.9"

Student Demographics

Vaughn draws heavily from New York with 91% of students coming from in-state, reflecting strong local ties to the region's aviation industry. The student body is 87% male, typical for aerospace and engineering programs that have historically attracted more men. Over half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many first-generation and lower-income families seeking career-focused technical training. The diverse mix includes significant Hispanic, Black, and Asian populations from Queens and the broader NYC area. Students come here for practical, hands-on aviation education rather than traditional liberal arts.
Men
87.1%
Women
12.9%
White
14.8%
Black
18.2%
Hispanic
31.3%
Asian
15.9%
In-State Students
90.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
52.5%

Location

Vaughn College sits in Flushing, Queens, just 15 miles from Manhattan. The campus operates in one of New York City's most diverse boroughs, where over 200 languages are spoken. Students live near LaGuardia Airport, making it ideal for aviation programs that require proximity to active flight operations. The urban setting provides internship opportunities with major airlines and aerospace companies. About 91% of students come from New York State, reflecting the college's strong regional draw. The bustling metropolitan environment contrasts sharply with traditional college towns, offering city amenities but requiring students to navigate urban living costs and commuting. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Vaughn College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Flushing, New York 11369

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$64,973
Median Earnings (5 years)
$68,858
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$42,300
Loan Repayment Rate
45.7%
Monthly Loan Payment
$224/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,125

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body composition at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology?

The college enrolls 1,104 students with an overwhelmingly male population at 87.14%. This technical college draws a diverse student body with 31.34% Hispanic, 18.21% Black, and 15.85% Asian students, reflecting its Queens location and specialized aviation focus.

How much does Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $39,723 despite tuition of $28,850. The college provides institutional grants averaging $6,444 to just 12.59% of students, making it relatively expensive for a specialized technical program.

What are the academic programs like at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology?

The college maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio focused on aviation and aerospace technology with hands-on training. Students work directly with industry-standard equipment preparing for careers in aircraft maintenance, flight operations, and aerospace engineering.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology?

The college graduates 39.90% of students within six years, but achieves a strong 91.5% employment rate. Graduates earn a median of $64,973 after ten years, reflecting the value of specialized technical training in aviation industries.

Where do students live at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology?

The college houses only 191 students on campus, accommodating less than 20% of enrollment. Most students commute from the New York area, with 90.73% coming from in-state and the campus serving as a training center rather than traditional residential college.

Does Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology offer athletic programs?

The Warriors compete in just 5 varsity sports with only 42 total athletes across all teams. The college offers no athletic scholarships, reflecting its primary focus on technical education rather than competitive sports programs.