Air Transportation at International Air and Hospitality Academy

This program sits in an unusual position: while it ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally for Air Transportation earnings, it actually represents the median performance among Washington state programs in this field. The $21,676 first-year earnings are well below the national program median of $27,008, but the relatively low debt load of $6,333 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29—much better than typical for this field nationally.

The financial picture becomes clearer when you consider that 64% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting this program serves students who might not otherwise access aviation training. While the earnings are modest, they do grow 10% over four years, and the debt burden is significantly lighter than the national median of $11,166. However, the low national earnings ranking is concerning and suggests graduates may struggle to compete for higher-paying aviation positions compared to peers from other programs.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether the lower debt load compensates for the below-average earning potential. The program offers an affordable entry point into aviation, but parents should understand their child will likely start behind peers from stronger programs and may need additional training or certifications to advance in the field.