Air Transportation (Bachelor's Degree) at Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$43,044

Est. from national median (54 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,125

Est. from national median (15 programs)

Analysis

Air transportation programs across Puerto Rico show significant variation, and this program's estimated figures place it well above local norms. While similar programs at comparable institutions suggest first-year earnings around $43,000—substantially higher than the PR median of $31,376—you should recognize that these are national benchmarks applied to a Puerto Rico program, where the actual earnings may differ considerably.

The estimated debt of $25,125 is notably higher than what other air transportation programs in Puerto Rico typically report (around $10,000). Given that 81% of students receive Pell grants, this debt load represents a significant financial commitment for families who likely have limited resources. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 looks manageable on paper, but this assumes the national earnings pattern holds true locally—something that's uncertain for a small program serving a predominantly low-income student population.

The most instructive comparison is Inter American's Bayamon campus, which reports actual earnings of $31,376 for its air transportation graduates. If Arecibo's program produces similar outcomes, you'd be looking at a debt burden that takes a much larger bite out of early-career income than the estimates suggest. Before committing to this program, contact the school directly to ask about graduate outcomes and job placement, particularly whether their graduates find work in Puerto Rico or need to relocate to the mainland for aviation careers.

Where Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Puerto Rico

Air Transportation bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Puerto Rico (4 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Inter American University of Puerto Rico-AreciboArecibo	$5,580	$43,044*	—	$25,125*	—
Inter American University of Puerto Rico-BayamonBayamon	$5,580	$31,376*	$40,904	$10,000*	0.32
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 Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo, approximately 81% 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.