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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. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set 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, compared with $9,054 for out-of-state students. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read the full report on Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
You'll get strong value at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,097. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $20,375. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,131 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,375 median debt. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide has an acceptance rate of 58%. 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. In-state tuition and fees average $12,780. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $43,137 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 40%. Read the full report on Florida Institute Of Technology Online
A rank of #4 makes Middle Georgia State University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Macon, GA, Middle Georgia State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,038, compared with $16,390 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,700 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,863. Set against $22,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. More on Middle Georgia State University
Utah Valley University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Air Transportation ranking in the United States. Located in Orem, UT, Utah Valley University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,507, while out-of-state students pay about $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. More on Utah Valley University
University Of North Dakota placed #6 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. Students borrow a median of $22,769 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,552 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about University Of North Dakota
Southern Illinois University Carbondale ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Air Transportation schools. Based in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,334 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $20,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,390. Set against $20,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Liberty University Air Transportation students take on a median of $24,874 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about Liberty University
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Air Transportation program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Louisiana Tech University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Air Transportation schools. Set in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,125 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,866. Louisiana Tech University Air Transportation students take on a median of $20,375 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,279 ten years out. Set against $20,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Louisiana Tech University report
University Of Central Missouri came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. University Of Central Missouri is a public school based in Warrensburg, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,050, compared with $18,600 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,560 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Central Missouri
Western Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This public school is set in Kalamazoo, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,562. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Western Michigan University report
Everglades University placed #13 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Located in Boca Raton, FL, Everglades University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,680. Graduates carry a median of $42,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,597. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Everglades University admits about 82% of applicants. See the full Everglades University profile
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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. The median Air Transportation program debt is $21,250. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. Set against $21,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
Eastern Michigan University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,990. The median Air Transportation program debt is $29,750. Median earnings reach $51,793 ten years out. Set against $29,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Eastern Michigan University
University Of North Texas ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Air Transportation schools. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. The median Air Transportation program debt is $23,573. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Texas report
University Of Nebraska At Omaha placed #16 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Based in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $21,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,909. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Kansas State University placed #18 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Located in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Kansas State University Air Transportation students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,262 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Kansas State University
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,074. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $20,375. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach alumni report median earnings of $84,131 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,375 median debt. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach admits about 65% of applicants. 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. This private not-for-profit school is set in Prescott, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,974. Graduates carry a median of $22,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,131. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. See the full Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott profile
Ohio University Main Campus landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. The median Air Transportation program debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on Ohio University Main Campus
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. 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. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full San Jose State University profile
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #23 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, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. The median Air Transportation program debt is $25,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,126. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Kent State University At Kent ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Air Transportation schools. Based in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Set against $24,730 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kent State University At Kent has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Kent State University At Kent report
Bowling Green State University Main Campus placed #25 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Based 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. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $47,896 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. More 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 also delivered strong value this year:
Central Washington University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Ellensburg, WA, Central Washington University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,417 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,526 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Central Washington University alumni report median earnings of $61,580 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Central Washington University admits about 91% of applicants. See the full Central Washington University profile
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #27 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Students borrow a median of $19,924 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Median earnings reach $57,413 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,924 median debt. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
Lewis University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Romeoville, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,200. The median Air Transportation program debt is $24,873. Lewis University alumni report median earnings of $66,099 a decade after entry. 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 placed #29 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Based in Anchorage, AK, University Of Alaska Anchorage is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,738, while out-of-state students pay about $21,322. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,871. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about University Of Alaska Anchorage
Middle Tennessee State University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Middle Tennessee State University is a public school based in Murfreesboro, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,266, with out-of-state students paying around $31,574. The median Air Transportation program debt is $21,992. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,541. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Middle Tennessee State University has an acceptance rate of 69%. See the full Middle Tennessee State University profile
Indiana State University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,258, while out-of-state students pay about $22,322. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete their Air Transportation program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,387. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. Indiana State University has an acceptance rate of 81%. Get the full Indiana State University report
Vaughn College Of Aeronautics And Technology ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Air Transportation schools. 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. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Median earnings reach $64,973 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Vaughn College Of Aeronautics And Technology
Cuny York College landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Jamaica, NY, Cuny York College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,358 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,308. Cuny York College Air Transportation students take on a median of $12,573 in debt. Cuny York College alumni report median earnings of $56,945 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cuny York College
Eastern Kentucky University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Air Transportation schools. Eastern Kentucky University is a public school based in Richmond, KY. Students from in state pay about $10,320 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,230. Eastern Kentucky University Air Transportation students take on a median of $23,781 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,795. Set against $23,781 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full Eastern Kentucky University report
Florida Institute Of Technology came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Based in Melbourne, FL, Florida Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,900. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,137. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Florida Institute Of Technology
Ohio State University Main Campus placed #36 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Columbus, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Typical Air Transportation student debt is $24,842. 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. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Ohio State University Main Campus
Farmingdale State College placed #37 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Farmingdale, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,626, compared with $18,536 for out-of-state students. Typical Air Transportation student 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. Farmingdale State College has an acceptance rate of 63%. See the full Farmingdale State College profile
Letourneau University placed #38 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Located in Longview, TX, Letourneau University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,160. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Air Transportation program here. Median earnings reach $57,103 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Letourneau University admits about 38% of applicants. Get the full Letourneau University report
University Of Dubuque placed #39 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Located in Dubuque, IA, University Of Dubuque is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,095. The median Air Transportation program debt is $26,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,190. That is a strong return on a $26,250 median debt. University Of Dubuque admits about 89% of applicants. See the full University Of Dubuque profile
Saint Louis University Main Campus landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. Saint Louis University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full Saint Louis University Main Campus report
Utah State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Air Transportation schools. Based in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Utah State University Air Transportation students take on a median of $25,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,022. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Utah State University
Metropolitan State College Of Denver offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Denver, CO, Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,124, with out-of-state students paying around $30,684. Metropolitan State College Of Denver Air Transportation students take on a median of $24,356 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,093. Set against $24,356 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Metropolitan State College Of Denver
Bridgewater State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Bridgewater, MA, Bridgewater State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,734, while out-of-state students pay about $17,874. The median Air Transportation program debt is $26,939. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,466. That is a strong return on a $26,939 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Bridgewater State University profile
Rocky Mountain College placed #45 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Based in Billings, MT, Rocky Mountain College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,582. Rocky Mountain College Air Transportation students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Rocky Mountain College alumni report median earnings of $49,036 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. More on Rocky Mountain College
Dabney S Lancaster Community College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Dabney S Lancaster Community College
Germanna Community College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Germanna Community College
Orange Coast College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Orange Coast College
Virginia Highlands Community College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Virginia Highlands Community College
Community College Of Beaver County placed #49 among the best-value Air Transportation schools in the United States. Get the full Community College Of Beaver County report
Florida State College At Jacksonville came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. See the full Florida State College At Jacksonville profile
Related Air Transportation Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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
These rankings are produced 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).