2026 Best Value Air Transportation Schools
Looking for the best-value Air Transportation programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 253 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Air Transportation Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus to be the best-value Air Transportation school in the United States. This public school is set in Portales, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,074, with out-of-state students paying around $9,054. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus Air Transportation students take on a median of $17,108 in debt. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $38,550 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. More on Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide earned it the #2 place in the United States. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is a private not-for-profit school based in Daytona Beach, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,097. Graduates carry a median of $20,375 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,131. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
Fox Valley Technical College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Air Transportation ranking in the United States. Located in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,040, compared with $7,283 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,319 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,684. That is a strong return on a $13,319 median debt. See the full Fox Valley Technical College profile
You'll get strong value at Northwestern Michigan College, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Traverse City, MI, Northwestern Michigan College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,860, with out-of-state students paying around $13,476. Northwestern Michigan College Air Transportation students take on a median of $14,803 in debt. Median earnings reach $38,167 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Northwestern Michigan College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Community College Of Allegheny County earned it the #5 place in the United States. This public school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Students from in state pay about $4,956 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,583. Students borrow a median of $15,263 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Community College Of Allegheny County alumni report median earnings of $39,449 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Community College Of Allegheny County
Florida Institute Of Technology Online ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Air Transportation schools. Located in Melbourne, FL, Florida Institute Of Technology Online is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,780 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,137. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 40% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Florida Institute Of Technology Online
Middle Georgia State University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Air Transportation schools. This public school is set in Macon, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,038, with out-of-state students paying around $16,390. Graduates carry a median of $22,700 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,863. That is a strong return on a $22,700 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%. Get the full Middle Georgia State University report
The Community College Of Baltimore County landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Baltimore, MD, The Community College Of Baltimore County is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,110, compared with $10,182 for out-of-state students. The median Air Transportation program debt is $18,038. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,729. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on The Community College Of Baltimore County
Utah Valley University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Orem, UT, Utah Valley University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,507 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,489. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $23,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,486. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Utah Valley University profile
Hinds Community College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Raymond, MS. Students from in state pay about $4,250 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,300. Graduates carry a median of $16,385 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,774 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,385 median debt. Get the full Hinds Community College report
Central New Mexico Community College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,060, with out-of-state students paying around $8,684. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $10,112. Median earnings reach $36,869 ten years out. Set against $10,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Central New Mexico Community College
University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Graduates carry a median of $22,769 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,552 ten years after entry. Set against $22,769 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public school based in Carbondale, IL. Students from in state pay about $13,334 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $20,750 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,390 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale profile
Liberty University placed #14 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Students borrow a median of $24,874 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,874 median debt. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full Liberty University report
Lincoln Land Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Lincoln Land Community College is a public school based in Springfield, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,744, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,272 in student loans. Median earnings reach $38,479 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lincoln Land Community College
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Air Transportation schools. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Louisiana Tech University placed #17 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Louisiana Tech University is a public school based in Ruston, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,125, compared with $16,866 for out-of-state students. The median Air Transportation program debt is $20,375. Louisiana Tech University alumni report median earnings of $52,279 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,375 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Louisiana Tech University profile
University Of Central Missouri placed #18 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Warrensburg, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,050, with out-of-state students paying around $18,600. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Median earnings reach $49,560 ten years out. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Central Missouri has an acceptance rate of 64%. See the full University Of Central Missouri profile
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Air Transportation schools. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Graduates carry a median of $21,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
Western Michigan University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Western Michigan University is a public school based in Kalamazoo, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Western Michigan University Air Transportation students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,562 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Western Michigan University profile
Eastern Michigan University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Eastern Michigan University is a public school based in Ypsilanti, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,990. Graduates carry a median of $29,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,793 ten years after entry. Set against $29,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Eastern Michigan University report
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Air Transportation schools. Based in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,074. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $20,375. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,131. Set against $20,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%. More on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach
University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,573 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. Set against $23,573 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. More on University Of North Texas
University Of Nebraska At Omaha placed #23 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Set in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,718 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,909. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. University Of Nebraska At Omaha admits about 87% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Kansas State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Air Transportation schools. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,262 ten years after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about Kansas State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Air Transportation Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Central Oregon Community College placed #26 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Located in Bend, OR, Central Oregon Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,683, with out-of-state students paying around $15,246. Central Oregon Community College Air Transportation students take on a median of $13,416 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,940 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Central Oregon Community College
Lewis University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Romeoville, IL, Lewis University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,200. The median Air Transportation program debt is $24,873. Lewis University alumni report median earnings of $66,099 a decade after entry. Set against $24,873 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Lewis University
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Prescott, AZ, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,974. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott Air Transportation students take on a median of $22,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,131 ten years after entry. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott report
Everglades University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Boca Raton, FL, Everglades University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,680. Students borrow a median of $42,750 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,597 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $42,750 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Everglades University report
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on San Jose State University
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Ohio University Main Campus Air Transportation students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Norman, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus alumni report median earnings of $63,126 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile
Kent State University At Kent came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. The median Air Transportation program debt is $24,730. Kent State University At Kent alumni report median earnings of $45,388 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kent State University At Kent has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Kent State University At Kent profile
Bowling Green State University Main Campus ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Air Transportation schools. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public school based in Bowling Green, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,912, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. The median Air Transportation program debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $47,896 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. See the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus profile
Central Washington University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ellensburg, WA, Central Washington University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,417, while out-of-state students pay about $27,526. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Central Washington University alumni report median earnings of $61,580 a decade after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full Central Washington University profile
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #35 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,924 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. Set against $19,924 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
Middle Tennessee State University placed #37 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Middle Tennessee State University is a public school based in Murfreesboro, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,266, while out-of-state students pay about $31,574. Students borrow a median of $21,992 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Median earnings reach $48,541 ten years out. Set against $21,992 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Middle Tennessee State University report
University Of Alaska Anchorage offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. University Of Alaska Anchorage is a public school based in Anchorage, AK. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,738, with out-of-state students paying around $21,322. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,871 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on University Of Alaska Anchorage
Indiana State University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,258, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $24,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,387. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. More on Indiana State University
Cuny York College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Jamaica, NY, Cuny York College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,358, with out-of-state students paying around $15,308. The median Air Transportation program debt is $12,573. Median earnings reach $56,945 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,573 median debt. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. See the full Cuny York College profile
Florida Institute Of Technology ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Air Transportation schools. Set in Melbourne, FL, Florida Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $45,900 in tuition and fees. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,137. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Florida Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 58%. See the full Florida Institute Of Technology profile
Eastern Kentucky University placed #42 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Based in Richmond, KY, Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,320 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,230 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,781 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,795 ten years after entry. Set against $23,781 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Eastern Kentucky University
Vaughn College Of Aeronautics And Technology landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Flushing, NY, Vaughn College Of Aeronautics And Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $29,810. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Vaughn College Of Aeronautics And Technology alumni report median earnings of $64,973 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. Read more about Vaughn College Of Aeronautics And Technology
Saint Louis University Main Campus landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,760. Saint Louis University Main Campus Air Transportation students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,783. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Saint Louis University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. More on Saint Louis University Main Campus
Ohio State University Main Campus placed #45 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Ohio State University Main Campus Air Transportation students take on a median of $24,842 in debt. Ohio State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $60,409 a decade after entry. Set against $24,842 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
Farmingdale State College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Farmingdale, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,626, with out-of-state students paying around $18,536. The median Air Transportation program debt is $22,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,781. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Farmingdale State College
Texas State Technical College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas State Technical College is a public school based in Waco, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $7,212, compared with $11,812 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,054 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Texas State Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,916 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,054 median debt. Read more about Texas State Technical College
Letourneau University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Longview, TX, Letourneau University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,160 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Letourneau University alumni report median earnings of $57,103 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Letourneau University has an acceptance rate of 38%. See the full Letourneau University profile
University Of Dubuque landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Dubuque, IA, University Of Dubuque is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,095. Students borrow a median of $26,250 to complete their Air Transportation program here. University Of Dubuque alumni report median earnings of $51,190 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,250 median debt. University Of Dubuque admits about 89% of applicants. More on University Of Dubuque
Utah State University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Logan, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,022 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Utah State University admits about 92% of applicants. See the full Utah State University profile
Best Value Air Transportation Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Air Transportation Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Air Transportation Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Air Transportation Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Air Transportation Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Air Transportation Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Air Transportation Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Air Transportation Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 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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