Air Transportation at Delta State University

Delta State's Air Transportation program produces starting salaries around $32,500—about $10,500 below the national median for aviation programs. That 5th percentile national ranking is concerning for a field that typically offers solid early-career earnings. However, the small sample size (fewer than 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly year-to-year, and the program's 60th percentile ranking within Mississippi suggests it's at least competitive locally, though being the only aviation bachelor's program in the state makes that comparison less meaningful.

The $21,500 debt load is actually lower than the national median for aviation programs, which helps offset the earnings gap somewhat. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66, graduates aren't starting with overwhelming obligations relative to income. But here's the reality: aviation careers often require substantial additional investment beyond the bachelor's degree—flight hours, certifications, and ratings can add tens of thousands more in costs that aren't captured in this debt figure.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether your child plans to stay in Mississippi's regional aviation market or compete nationally. If national airlines or higher-paying aviation sectors are the goal, these earnings suggest graduates may struggle compared to peers from other programs. The modest debt helps, but starting $10,000+ behind peers annually compounds over time. Given the small sample and Delta State's open-admission model, visit campus and ask detailed questions about graduate outcomes, employer partnerships, and additional certification costs before committing.