Air Transportation (Bachelor's Degree) at Angelo State University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$56,487

Est. from TX median (3 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$23,573

Est. from national median (39 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable aviation programs across Texas, Angelo State's bachelor's in Air Transportation appears positioned at the state median with estimated first-year earnings around $56,500—significantly stronger than the $43,000 national benchmark. The estimated debt load of roughly $23,600 creates a manageable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe less than half their first-year salary. For context, Texas aviation programs show considerable range, with top-performing schools like Hallmark producing graduates earning $79,000 while others start closer to $38,000.

The caveat parents need to understand: these figures are extrapolations from peer programs, not actual outcomes from Angelo State graduates. The small program size that triggers data suppression could mean either a specialized, well-placed cohort or inconsistent outcomes that don't yet show in aggregate data. Aviation careers typically depend heavily on specific certifications, flight hours, and connections to regional carriers—factors that vary dramatically between programs even within the same state.

The math suggests a reasonable investment if the estimated figures hold, but verify what Angelo State's program actually delivers: Does it include commercial pilot certifications? What's the placement rate with regional airlines? Small aviation programs can offer tight-knit industry connections or leave students scrambling for internships—you need to know which type this is before committing.

Where Angelo State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all air transportation bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Air Transportation bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (9 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Angelo State UniversitySan Angelo	$8,319	$56,487*	—	$23,573*	—
Hallmark UniversitySan Antonio	—	$79,086*	—	—*	—
University of North TexasDenton	$11,164	$56,487*	$67,791	$23,573*	0.42
LeTourneau UniversityLongview	$35,500	$38,205*	$71,704	$27,000*	0.71
National Median	—	$43,044*	—	$24,500*	0.57

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with air transportation graduates

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.

$198,100/yrJobs growth:

Commercial Pilots

Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.

$198,100/yrJobs growth:

Air Traffic Controllers

Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.

$144,580/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.

$102,010/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Supply Chain Managers

Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. Examine existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining activities to meet product distribution needs. Direct the movement, storage, or processing of inventory.

$102,010/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Flight Attendants

Monitor safety of the aircraft cabin. Provide services to airline passengers, explain safety information, serve food and beverages, and respond to emergency incidents.

$67,130/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants

Supervise and coordinate activities of passenger attendants.

Airfield Operations Specialists

Ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft. Duties include coordination between air-traffic control and maintenance personnel, dispatching, using airfield landing and navigational aids, implementing airfield safety procedures, monitoring and maintaining flight records, and applying knowledge of weather information.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Angelo State University, approximately 27% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.