2026 Best Air Transportation Schools
Looking for the best Air Transportation programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 253 institutions by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed schools to produce this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Air Transportation Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
The strong Air Transportation programs at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is a private not-for-profit institution. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide posts a six-year graduation rate of 23%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,097. Graduates carry a median of $20,375 in student loans. Get the full Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide report
Out of the 253 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus landed the #3 spot. Located in Portales, NM, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public institution. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus graduates 39% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,074, with out-of-state students paying around $9,054. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $17,108. Get the full Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus report
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach came in at #4 on this year's Air Transportation ranking in the United States. Based in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,074. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $20,375. Read the full report on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach
You'll be in good company at Northwestern Michigan College, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Traverse City, MI, Northwestern Michigan College is a public institution. Northwestern Michigan College graduates 53% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,860, while out-of-state students pay about $13,476. The median Air Transportation program debt is $14,803. Get the full Northwestern Michigan College report
Utah Valley University came in at #6 in this year's ranking. Set in Orem, UT, Utah Valley University is a public institution. About 40% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,507, with out-of-state students paying around $18,489. Students borrow a median of $23,500 to complete their Air Transportation program here. See the full Utah Valley University profile
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #7 in this year's ranking. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. About 83% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. The median Air Transportation program debt is $21,250. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott came in at #8 in this year's ranking. Located in Prescott, AZ, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is a private not-for-profit institution. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. Students from in state pay about $43,974 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,000 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Get the full Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott report
Fox Valley Technical College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best Air Transportation schools. This public school is set in Appleton, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $5,040, compared with $7,283 for out-of-state students. The median Air Transportation program debt is $13,319. Read the full report on Fox Valley Technical College
University Of North Dakota landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. University Of North Dakota posts a six-year graduation rate of 60%. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,769 in student loans. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
Community College Of Allegheny County did well this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Students from in state pay about $4,956 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,583 for out-of-state students. Community College Of Allegheny County Air Transportation students take on a median of $15,263 in debt. See the full Community College Of Allegheny County profile
Florida Institute Of Technology Online ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best Air Transportation schools. Florida Institute Of Technology Online is a private not-for-profit school based in Melbourne, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,780. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Read the full report on Florida Institute Of Technology Online
Kansas State University came in at #13 in this year's ranking. Located in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. About 71% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. The median Air Transportation program debt is $21,500. See the full Kansas State University profile
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #14 among Air Transportation schools in the United States. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. Minnesota State University Mankato graduates 54% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Southern Illinois University Carbondale ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Air Transportation schools. This public school is set in Carbondale, IL. Southern Illinois University Carbondale posts a six-year graduation rate of 60%. In-state tuition and fees average $13,334. Students borrow a median of $20,750 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Lewis University placed #16 among Air Transportation schools in the United States. Located in Romeoville, IL, Lewis University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 67% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,200. The median Air Transportation program debt is $24,873. Get the full Lewis University report
Liberty University landed the #17 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $24,874. More on Liberty University
Middle Georgia State University came in at #18 in this year's ranking. Set in Macon, GA, Middle Georgia State University is a public institution. Middle Georgia State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 24%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,038, while out-of-state students pay about $16,390. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $22,700. Read more about Middle Georgia State University
Saint Louis University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Saint Louis University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. Students from in state pay about $55,760 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Get the full Saint Louis University Main Campus report
Florida Institute Of Technology landed the #20 spot in the United States this year. Based in Melbourne, FL, Florida Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Florida Institute Of Technology posts a six-year graduation rate of 62%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,900. The median Air Transportation program debt is $27,000. Get the full Florida Institute Of Technology report
Tulsa Technology Center placed #21 among Air Transportation schools in the United States. Set in Tulsa, OK, Tulsa Technology Center is a public institution. Tulsa Technology Center Air Transportation students take on a median of $11,384 in debt. See the full Tulsa Technology Center profile
Louisiana Tech University did well this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. About 62% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,125, compared with $16,866 for out-of-state students. Louisiana Tech University Air Transportation students take on a median of $20,375 in debt. See the full Louisiana Tech University profile
University Of Nebraska At Omaha placed #23 among Air Transportation schools in the United States. Based in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. University Of Nebraska At Omaha graduates 49% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $8,718 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Read more about University Of Nebraska At Omaha
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #24 in this year's ranking. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. The median Air Transportation program debt is $25,250. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile
University Of Central Missouri came in at #25 in this year's ranking. Based in Warrensburg, MO, University Of Central Missouri is a public institution. About 54% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,050, compared with $18,600 for out-of-state students. University Of Central Missouri Air Transportation students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Read more about University Of Central Missouri
University Of North Texas did well this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. University Of North Texas posts a six-year graduation rate of 61%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $23,573. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
Rest of the Top 50 Best Air Transportation Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
The Community College Of Baltimore County did well this year, earning the #27 position. The Community College Of Baltimore County is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. Students from in state pay about $4,110 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,182 for out-of-state students. The median Air Transportation program debt is $18,038. Read the full report on The Community College Of Baltimore County
Ohio University Main Campus placed #28 among Air Transportation schools in the United States. Based in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Ohio University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 65%. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. More on Ohio University Main Campus
Western Michigan University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best Air Transportation schools. This public school is set in Kalamazoo, MI. About 58% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,987, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $27,000. Read the full report on Western Michigan University
Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best Air Transportation schools. Based in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 88%. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,842 in student loans. Read more about Ohio State University Main Campus
International Air And Hospitality Academy came in at #31 in this year's ranking. Set in Vancouver, WA, International Air And Hospitality Academy is a private for-profit institution. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $6,333. More on International Air And Hospitality Academy
Middle Tennessee State University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best Air Transportation schools. Based in Murfreesboro, TN, Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 54%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,266, while out-of-state students pay about $31,574. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $21,992. Read more about Middle Tennessee State University
Central Washington University did well this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Ellensburg, WA. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,417, with out-of-state students paying around $27,526. Central Washington University Air Transportation students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Read more about Central Washington University
University Of Dubuque did well this year, earning the #35 position. University Of Dubuque is a private not-for-profit school based in Dubuque, IA. About 40% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $42,095. Graduates carry a median of $26,250 in student loans. More on University Of Dubuque
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #36 among Air Transportation schools in the United States. Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public school based in Stillwater, OK. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Oklahoma State University Main Campus Air Transportation students take on a median of $19,924 in debt. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
Letourneau University came in at #37 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Longview, TX. About 59% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,160. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about Letourneau University
San Jose State University came in at #38 in this year's ranking. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Get the full San Jose State University report
Everglades University did well this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Boca Raton, FL, Everglades University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 61% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $21,680 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $42,750 in student loans. Read the full report on Everglades University
University Of Alaska Anchorage landed the #40 spot in the United States this year. Located in Anchorage, AK, University Of Alaska Anchorage is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 28%. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,738, compared with $21,322 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Alaska Anchorage
Kent State University At Kent came in at #41 in this year's ranking. Based in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. Kent State University At Kent graduates 64% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Kent State University At Kent Air Transportation students take on a median of $24,730 in debt. More on Kent State University At Kent
Eastern Michigan University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best Air Transportation schools. Based in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. Eastern Michigan University posts a six-year graduation rate of 46%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,990. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $29,750. Get the full Eastern Michigan University report
Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #43 spot in the United States this year. Based in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. Bowling Green State University Main Campus graduates 61% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,912, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. More on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Vaughn College Of Aeronautics And Technology came in at #44 in this year's ranking. Located in Flushing, NY, Vaughn College Of Aeronautics And Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Vaughn College Of Aeronautics And Technology posts a six-year graduation rate of 36%. Students from in state pay about $29,810 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Read more about Vaughn College Of Aeronautics And Technology
Lincoln Land Community College landed the #45 spot in the United States this year. Based in Springfield, IL, Lincoln Land Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,744 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Lincoln Land Community College Air Transportation students take on a median of $11,272 in debt. Read more about Lincoln Land Community College
Central New Mexico Community College landed the #46 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Albuquerque, NM. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,060, with out-of-state students paying around $8,684. Graduates carry a median of $10,112 in student loans. Get the full Central New Mexico Community College report
Indiana State University landed the #47 spot in the United States this year. Indiana State University is a public school based in Terre Haute, IN. Indiana State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 43%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,258, compared with $22,322 for out-of-state students. The median Air Transportation program debt is $24,500. Get the full Indiana State University report
Rocky Mountain College landed the #48 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Billings, MT. Rocky Mountain College posts a six-year graduation rate of 48%. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,582. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Read the full report on Rocky Mountain College
Hinds Community College placed #49 among Air Transportation schools in the United States. Located in Raymond, MS, Hinds Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,250, while out-of-state students pay about $7,300. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $16,385. Read the full report on Hinds Community College
Metropolitan State College Of Denver ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best Air Transportation schools. Located in Denver, CO, Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a public institution. Roughly 31% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,124, compared with $30,684 for out-of-state students. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $24,356. See the full Metropolitan State College Of Denver profile
Eastern Kentucky University placed #51 among Air Transportation schools in the United States. Set in Richmond, KY, Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution. Eastern Kentucky University posts a six-year graduation rate of 55%. Students from in state pay about $10,320 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,230. Graduates carry a median of $23,781 in student loans. Read the full report on Eastern Kentucky University
Central Oregon Community College came in at #52 in this year's ranking. Located in Bend, OR, Central Oregon Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,683, compared with $15,246 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,416 to complete their Air Transportation program here. More on Central Oregon Community College
Best Air Transportation Schools by Degree Level
Explore rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Air Transportation Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Air Transportation Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Air Transportation Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Air Transportation Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Air Transportation Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Air Transportation Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Air Transportation Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 253 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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