Air Transportation (Bachelor's Degree) at Eastern Michigan University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$40,846

38th percentile

Median Debt

$29,750

21% above national median

Analysis

Eastern Michigan's aviation program graduates start at $40,846—trailing the national median by about $2,000, but outperforming most Michigan alternatives. The state comparison matters here: with only five aviation programs in Michigan, Eastern's graduates earn notably more than the state's $37,859 median and pull ahead of Western Michigan's $34,872. For families committed to staying in-state, this positioning makes the program worth considering.

The debt picture looks quite favorable. At $29,750, graduates borrow slightly above the state median but well below national norms for aviation programs (5th percentile nationally for debt). That's meaningful in an industry where pilots typically need additional flight hours and certifications before reaching their career earnings potential. The 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable payments during those crucial early career years when graduates are building hours.

The main caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 recent graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than usual. Still, for Michigan families whose child is set on aviation, Eastern delivers competitive in-state results without the debt burden that plagues some aviation programs. The relatively low borrowing keeps career options open during the progression toward commercial pilot roles.

Where Eastern Michigan University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Eastern Michigan University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Air Transportation bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (5 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti	$15,510	$40,846	—	$29,750	0.73
Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo	$15,298	$34,872	$65,149	$27,000	0.77
National Median	—	$43,044	—	$24,500	0.57

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 Eastern Michigan University, approximately 37% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 25 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.