Analysis
Similar aviation programs in Florida suggest first-year earnings around $50,500—landing right at the state median and notably above the $43,000 national benchmark. That's encouraging for a field where location matters, and Florida's aerospace sector provides genuine career opportunities. Based on comparable programs at similar Florida institutions, students here typically graduate with about $26,000 in debt, translating to a 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio that's quite manageable for a bachelor's degree.
The catch is visibility. With 58% of students on Pell grants and a 97% admission rate, Keiser serves students who may need aviation careers to pay off quickly. While peer programs in Florida produce outcomes ranging from $47,000 to nearly $55,000, we can't see exactly where Keiser's graduates land within that spread. The top programs (think Embry-Riddle at $54,800) command premium earnings, but this program's estimated position at the state median suggests competitive if not exceptional outcomes.
For parents, the debt level seems reasonable if your child secures work in Florida's aviation industry—the ratio suggests loans would be serviceable on typical starting salaries. However, push for program specifics: what's the flight training component? What certifications do graduates earn? In aviation, these practical credentials often matter more than the degree itself, and understanding what's actually included at this tuition level is essential before committing.
Where Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all air transportation bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Air Transportation bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $24,136 | $50,499* | — | $26,063* | — | |
| $42,304 | $54,827* | $72,710 | $22,000* | 0.40 | |
| $11,665 | $54,827* | $72,710 | $22,000* | 0.40 | |
| $20,768 | $53,331* | $69,522 | $42,750* | 0.80 | |
| $3,366 | $50,499* | — | —* | — | |
| $44,360 | $47,019* | $68,636 | $27,000* | 0.57 | |
| National Median | — | $43,044* | — | $24,500* | 0.57 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with air transportation graduates
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Commercial Pilots
Air Traffic Controllers
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Supply Chain Managers
Flight Attendants
First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants
Airfield Operations Specialists
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 Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale, approximately 58% 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 median of 7 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.