Air Transportation (Bachelor's Degree) at Baylor University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$56,487

Est. from TX median (3 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,125

Est. from national median (15 programs)

Analysis

Texas aviation programs typically launch graduates into salaries well above the national median for this field, and Baylor appears positioned in the middle of that stronger regional market. Based on comparable programs in the state, first-year earnings around $56,500 significantly outpace the $43,000 national median—a premium that reflects Texas's robust aerospace industry and airline operations concentrated in major hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston.

The estimated debt load of $25,125 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44, meaning graduates would owe roughly five months of their first-year salary. This is manageable territory by most standards, though it's worth noting the range among Texas programs is dramatic: Hallmark University graduates earn nearly $80,000 while LeTourneau sits at $38,000. Without program-specific data for Baylor, it's unclear whether their aviation training—at a selective private university with strong overall academics—positions graduates closer to the top or middle of that distribution.

For families evaluating this investment, the key question is whether Baylor's aviation program delivers outcomes closer to University of North Texas (which shares the same estimated median) or commands a premium that justifies private university tuition beyond what's reflected in the debt figure. The fundamentals look sound, but confirming actual job placement rates and whether graduates land positions with major carriers versus regional airlines would help clarify where this program truly sits in Texas's competitive aviation landscape.

Where Baylor 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
Baylor UniversityWaco	$54,844	$56,487*	—	$25,125*	—
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 Baylor University, approximately 13% 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.