Air Transportation at California Aeronautical University

California Aeronautical University's aviation program shows impressive first-year earnings at $52,656—well above both the national median ($43,044) and California's state median ($48,989). The debt load of $30,024 is remarkably manageable, placing this program in just the 5th percentile nationally for debt, meaning 95% of similar programs saddle graduates with more borrowing. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57, graduates are earning nearly twice what they owe, a comfortable position for launching an aviation career.

However, the sample size here is quite small (under 30 graduates), which means these numbers could shift significantly with more data. It's also worth noting that while this program ranks in the 89th percentile nationally, it lands at the 60th percentile among California's eight aviation programs—solid but not exceptional in-state. Still, with half the student body receiving Pell grants, the school is clearly serving students who need financial accessibility alongside career training.

For parents weighing this investment, the fundamentals look sound: low debt relative to earnings, and outcomes that exceed most aviation programs nationwide. Just keep in mind that aviation careers can be volatile and depend heavily on the broader health of the airline industry. The small cohort size means you'll want to speak directly with recent graduates about their job placement experience before committing.