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

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$43,044

Est. from national median (54 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,125

Est. from national median (15 programs)

Analysis

The $43,000 first-year earnings estimate here comes from national aviation programs, but Puerto Rico's aviation industry typically produces very different outcomes. The one comparable PR program with reported data—Inter American's Bayamón campus—shows graduates earning around $31,000, roughly 28% less than this national-based projection. That gap matters tremendously when you're carrying $25,000 in debt.

If the actual earnings track closer to Puerto Rico norms, you're looking at a debt burden approaching 80% of first-year income rather than the estimated 58%. Aviation careers do offer growth potential, particularly if graduates can access mainland opportunities or specialized roles, but starting salaries on the island tend to lag significantly. The school serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (66%), meaning many families are already navigating tight finances without much cushion for underperforming debt-to-income ratios.

The fundamental uncertainty here is whether this program connects students to higher-paying positions that justify national-level projections, or whether graduates face the more constrained Puerto Rico aviation market. Before committing, verify where recent graduates actually work and what they earn in their first positions—not what similar programs elsewhere might produce.

Where Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro 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)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Inter American University of Puerto Rico-MetroSan Juan	$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-Metro, approximately 66% 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.