Air Transportation (Associate's Degree) at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$42,492

Est. from national median (8 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$13,208

Est. from national median (6 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 suggests manageable borrowing for this aviation program, though the numbers come with caveats. National data from similar associate programs show first-year earnings around $42,500 and typical debt near $13,200—figures that align with broader patterns in aviation training but don't reflect verified outcomes from Caldwell specifically. The aviation industry's structured career pathways mean this credential often serves as an entry point to positions requiring additional certification, which could explain why peer programs cluster around this earnings level nationally.

The concerning part for parents is the uncertainty. With six schools offering aviation programs in North Carolina but none reporting verifiable graduate outcomes, you're essentially making a decision based on national averages rather than state-specific performance data. Aviation careers can vary dramatically based on whether graduates pursue aircraft maintenance, airport operations, or pivot toward flight training—and this program's actual placement record in those pathways remains opaque. The 29% Pell grant population suggests the school serves cost-conscious students, which aligns with the relatively modest estimated debt load.

Before committing, demand specifics: What percentage of recent graduates passed FAA certification exams? Where are alumni actually working? Aviation programs live or die on industry connections and equipment quality—factors that earnings estimates from distant schools can't capture. The numbers suggest viability, but without verified outcomes from this campus, you're flying on instruments.

Where Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Air Transportation associates's programs at top institutions nationally

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Caldwell Community College and Technical InstituteHudson	$2,537	$42,492*	—	$13,208*	—
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona BeachDaytona Beach	$42,304	$66,957*	$66,388	$18,750*	0.28
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-WorldwideDaytona Beach	$11,665	$66,957*	$66,388	$18,750*	0.28
Central Oregon Community CollegeBend	$4,941	$48,594*	—	$13,416*	0.28
Community College of Beaver CountyMonaca	$7,290	$45,028*	$68,927	$13,000*	0.29
Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale	$13,244	$39,956*	$73,930	$21,000*	0.53
National Median	—	$42,492*	—	$14,803*	0.35

* 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 Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, approximately 29% 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 national median of 8 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.