Air Transportation at Madisonville Community College

Earning $42,492 in the first year after completing an associate's degree positions this air transportation program squarely at the national median for similar credentials—peer programs across the country report identical outcomes. With an estimated $13,200 in debt, the financial picture suggests a manageable burden: you'd be borrowing about 31 cents for every dollar earned in that first year, well below the concerning thresholds that typically strain household budgets.

Kentucky offers limited options for this credential, with Madisonville Community College representing the state's sole air transportation associate's program. The field itself—spanning aircraft maintenance, aviation operations, and related technical roles—tends to provide steady entry-level employment, though advancement often requires additional certifications or experience. The national data shows considerable variation in outcomes, with top-performing programs reaching $53,000 in first-year earnings, suggesting that location, specialization, and employer connections matter significantly.

Since both figures here are estimated from national averages rather than tracked outcomes from Madisonville's actual graduates, treat this as a reasonable baseline rather than a guarantee. If your child has a genuine interest in aviation and this is the local option, the projected debt load shouldn't be disqualifying. However, investigate what specific aviation employers recruit from this program and whether graduates reliably land positions that justify even this modest borrowing.