2026 Best Value Air Transportation Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Air Transportation bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 253 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 evaluated schools to build 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus this year in the United States. Based in Portales, NM, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,074, while out-of-state students pay about $9,054. Students borrow a median of $17,108 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $38,550 a decade after entry. Set against $17,108 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus report
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide came in at #2 on this year's best-value Air Transportation ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Daytona Beach, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,097. Students borrow a median of $20,375 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide alumni report median earnings of $84,131 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,375 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
You'll get strong value at Florida Institute Of Technology Online, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Melbourne, FL, Florida Institute Of Technology Online is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,780. Florida Institute Of Technology Online Air Transportation students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, 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. More on Florida Institute Of Technology Online
A rank of #4 makes Middle Georgia State University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Macon, GA, Middle Georgia State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,038 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,390 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,700 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,863. Set against $22,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Middle Georgia State University
A rank of #5 makes Utah Valley University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Orem, UT, Utah Valley University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,507, compared with $18,489 for out-of-state students. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $23,500. Median earnings reach $55,486 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,500 median debt. See the full Utah Valley University profile
University Of North Dakota landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. 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, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,769 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of North Dakota
Southern Illinois University Carbondale placed #7 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Set in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. Southern Illinois University Carbondale Air Transportation students take on a median of $20,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,390. That is a strong return on a $20,750 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. More on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Liberty University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Graduates carry a median of $24,874 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. Set against $24,874 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about Liberty University
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #9 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Louisiana Tech University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Ruston, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,125, compared with $16,866 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,375 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,279 ten years after entry. Set against $20,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Louisiana Tech University profile
University Of Central Missouri offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Warrensburg, MO, University Of Central Missouri is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,050, compared with $18,600 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,560. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%. Read more about University Of Central Missouri
Western Michigan University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Located in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,562. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full Western Michigan University profile
Everglades University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Everglades University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boca Raton, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,680. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $42,750. Median earnings reach $47,597 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Everglades University admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Everglades University
Purdue University Main Campus placed #14 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Air Transportation students take on a median of $21,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. That is a strong return on a $21,250 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
Eastern Michigan University placed #15 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Ypsilanti, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $16,990. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $29,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,793 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,750 median debt. Eastern Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 80%. See the full Eastern Michigan University profile
University Of Nebraska At Omaha placed #16 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public school based in Omaha, NE. Students from in state pay about $8,718 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $21,000. Median earnings reach $53,909 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha report
University Of North Texas ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Air Transportation schools. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,573 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. More on University Of North Texas
Kansas State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $21,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,262 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. Get the full Kansas State University report
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Air Transportation schools. Set in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,074 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $20,375 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,131 ten years after entry. Set against $20,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach has an acceptance rate of 65%. See the full Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach profile
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott placed #20 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Set in Prescott, AZ, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $43,974 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,000 in student loans. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott alumni report median earnings of $84,131 a decade after entry. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott
Ohio University Main Campus landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Athens, OH. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Ohio University Main Campus Air Transportation students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,581 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
San Jose State University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. San Jose State University alumni report median earnings of $78,988 a decade after entry. San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read more about San Jose State University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus Air Transportation students take on a median of $25,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report
Kent State University At Kent landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Kent, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,220, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. The median Air Transportation program debt is $24,730. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,388 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,730 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Kent State University At Kent profile
Bowling Green State University Main Campus placed #25 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Set in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Typical Air Transportation student 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%. Read the full report on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Air Transportation Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Central Washington University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Air Transportation schools. Central Washington University is a public school based in Ellensburg, WA. Students from in state pay about $9,417 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,526. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Air Transportation program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,580. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Central Washington University profile
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Oklahoma State University Main Campus Air Transportation students take on a median of $19,924 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. That is a strong return on a $19,924 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Lewis University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Romeoville, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,200. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $24,873. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,099. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lewis University has an acceptance rate of 71%. See the full Lewis University profile
University Of Alaska Anchorage came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Anchorage, AK, University Of Alaska Anchorage is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,738, compared with $21,322 for out-of-state students. The median Air Transportation program debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,871. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on University Of Alaska Anchorage
Middle Tennessee State University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Middle Tennessee State University is a public school based in Murfreesboro, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,266, with out-of-state students paying around $31,574. The median Air Transportation program debt is $21,992. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,541 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,992 median debt. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Middle Tennessee State University report
Indiana State University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,258, compared with $22,322 for out-of-state students. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $24,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,387. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana State University has an acceptance rate of 81%. More on Indiana State University
Vaughn College Of Aeronautics And Technology placed #32 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Located in Flushing, NY, Vaughn College Of Aeronautics And Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,810. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $24,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,973 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Vaughn College Of Aeronautics And Technology report
Cuny York College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Air Transportation schools. Cuny York College is a public school based in Jamaica, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,358 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,308 for out-of-state students. Cuny York College Air Transportation students take on a median of $12,573 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,945. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny York College has an acceptance rate of 64%. Read more about Cuny York College
Eastern Kentucky University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Air Transportation schools. Based in Richmond, KY, Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,320, with out-of-state students paying around $21,230. Eastern Kentucky University Air Transportation students take on a median of $23,781 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,795. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on Eastern Kentucky University
Florida Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Located 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. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Median earnings reach $43,137 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 58%. Get the full Florida Institute Of Technology report
Ohio State University Main Campus landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $24,842. Ohio State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $60,409 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,842 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. See the full Ohio State University Main Campus profile
Farmingdale State College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Farmingdale, NY, Farmingdale State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,626, with out-of-state students paying around $18,536. Farmingdale State College Air Transportation students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,781. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. More on Farmingdale State College
Letourneau University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Longview, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $37,160. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Letourneau University alumni report median earnings of $57,103 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Letourneau University
University Of Dubuque offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Dubuque, IA, University Of Dubuque is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $42,095. Students borrow a median of $26,250 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,190. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Dubuque has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full University Of Dubuque report
Saint Louis University Main Campus placed #41 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $55,760. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $27,000. Saint Louis University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $70,783 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Saint Louis University Main Campus report
Utah State University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,560, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Utah State University alumni report median earnings of $54,022 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Utah State University report
Metropolitan State College Of Denver placed #43 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Set in Denver, CO, Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,124, compared with $30,684 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,356 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Median earnings reach $52,093 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Metropolitan State College Of Denver admits about 99% of applicants. Get the full Metropolitan State College Of Denver report
Bridgewater State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Bridgewater, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,734, with out-of-state students paying around $17,874. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $26,939. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,466. Set against $26,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Bridgewater State University
Rocky Mountain College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Billings, MT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,582. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $27,000. Rocky Mountain College alumni report median earnings of $49,036 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rocky Mountain College has an acceptance rate of 70%. See the full Rocky Mountain College profile
Casper College
Casper College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Read more about Casper College
Elizabeth City State University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Air Transportation schools. Get the full Elizabeth City State University report
University Of Nebraska At Kearney offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney report
Arizona Western College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Read the full report on Arizona Western College
Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. More on Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana
Stephen F Austin State University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Stephen F Austin State University
Related Air Transportation Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Air Transportation Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Air Transportation Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Air Transportation Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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