Air Transportation at Community College of Beaver County

Community College of Beaver County's air transportation program stands out for its remarkable earnings trajectory—graduates see their median income jump 53% from $45,028 to $68,927 between years one and four. That four-year figure significantly outpaces both the national median for associate's aviation programs and represents one of the stronger returns among Pennsylvania's limited aviation offerings. With only five schools in the state offering this program, students don't have many local alternatives, making this program's performance particularly relevant for PA families.

The $13,000 in median debt translates to just 29 cents owed for every dollar earned in the first year—a manageable burden that becomes even more comfortable as earnings climb. While the debt level sits higher than the national median (75th percentile), the strong income growth more than compensates. Aviation careers often require building flight hours and certifications early on, which helps explain why starting salaries appear modest before climbing substantially.

For families considering aviation careers, this program delivers solid value with reasonable debt and clear income progression. The four-year earnings put graduates in a competitive position within the industry, suggesting the program successfully prepares students for advancement in air transportation roles.