Air Transportation at Butler Community College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 represents one of the more manageable financial pictures in higher education, and this program's estimated figures—$42,492 in first-year earnings against $13,208 in debt—reflect what similar aviation programs nationwide typically produce. Kansas has five schools offering associate degrees in air transportation, but this particular program lacks sufficient graduate data for the Department of Education to report actual outcomes. What we can say is that peer programs across the country show consistent earnings patterns, and if Butler's graduates track similarly, the debt load appears reasonable for entry into an industry known for structured career progression.

The real question is whether this specific program delivers the training quality and industry connections that translate those national patterns into actual job placement. Aviation is credentials-driven and relationship-dependent—airport partnerships, flight hour requirements, and instructor experience matter enormously. The estimated $13,000 debt falls below the national median for these programs, which is promising, but only if the training gets students where they need to be. With 31% of Butler students receiving Pell grants, affordability seems to be part of the school's mission, though families should verify exactly what that debt figure covers—flight hours can add substantial costs beyond tuition.

If your child is serious about aviation and Butler offers the specific certifications they need, these numbers suggest a workable investment. But verify the program's placement record and talk to current students before committing.