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