Location: Killeen, TX•In-State Tuition: $3,150•Out-of-State Tuition: $7,500
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$42,492
Est. from national median (8 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$13,208
Est. from national median (6 programs)

Analysis

Aviation training typically requires significant investment, but peer programs nationally suggest Central Texas College's associate degree in Air Transportation may offer reasonable entry costs. Similar programs across the country report median debt around $13,200, putting this program slightly below that threshold while matching the national median first-year earnings of about $42,500.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 compares favorably to many technical fields, meaning graduates from comparable programs typically earn enough in their first year to manage their debt burden. However, Texas presents a puzzling picture: the state median for air transportation programs sits substantially lower at $35,000—nearly $7,500 below national figures. Whether Central Texas College's graduates align more closely with national or state patterns remains unclear given the lack of school-specific data.

Location matters considerably in aviation careers. Killeen's proximity to Fort Hood and Austin's growing aviation sector could provide opportunities, but students should investigate whether this program connects to local employers or requires relocation. The real question is whether this specific program delivers the credentials and connections that translate into the higher end of aviation salaries, or if graduates face the state's more modest earnings reality. Without actual graduate outcomes from Central Texas College, families are making an educated guess based on what similar programs achieve elsewhere.

Where Central Texas College Stands

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

Central Texas College (estimated ±10%)Other air transportation programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Air Transportation associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (7 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Central Texas CollegeKilleen$3,150$42,492*—$13,208*—
Texas State Technical CollegeWaco$7,192$35,008*$51,281$12,054*0.34
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 Central Texas College, approximately 31% 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.