Air Transportation (Bachelor's Degree) at Central Christian College of Kansas

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$43,044

Est. from national median (54 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,125

Est. from national median (15 programs)

Analysis

For an aviation bachelor's degree in Kansas, this program's estimated numbers fall short of what peers actually deliver. Kansas State reports first-year earnings of $51,198 for its aviation graduates—nearly $8,000 more than what comparable programs nationally suggest Central Christian's graduates might earn. That gap matters when you're managing an estimated $25,125 in debt, which tracks close to both state and national medians for aviation programs.

The 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable on paper, and aviation careers often see strong growth after those initial years as pilots build hours and move into better-paying roles. But starting around $43,000 in a field where Kansas programs typically launch graduates at $51,000 raises questions about whether this smaller program provides the same industry connections, flight training quality, or airline recruitment pipeline that larger aviation schools offer. With 43% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on that post-graduation income to materialize quickly.

If your child is set on aviation and considering Central Christian, get specific answers: What are their airline placement rates? How do their flight training costs compare to the state school? Where are recent graduates actually working? The debt load is reasonable for an aviation degree, but you need confidence that the estimated earnings reflect reality—or better yet, that this program's outcomes exceed what similar programs deliver nationally.

Where Central Christian College of Kansas Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas

Air Transportation bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (3 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Central Christian College of KansasMcPherson	$21,000	$43,044*	—	$25,125*	—
Kansas State UniversityManhattan	$10,942	$51,198*	$59,840	$21,500*	0.42
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 Central Christian College of Kansas, approximately 43% 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 54 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.