Air Transportation at Middle Georgia State University

Based on comparable aviation programs nationally, this associate's degree shows a manageable debt load of roughly $13,200 against first-year earnings around $42,500. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 is solid—well below the 1.0 threshold where monthly payments typically become burdensome. For context, the national median debt for aviation associate's programs runs slightly higher at $14,800, so Middle Georgia State appears competitive on cost.

The challenge is that aviation careers are highly credential-dependent, and an associate's degree typically qualifies graduates for entry-level positions like ground operations, aircraft dispatching, or administrative roles rather than piloting. The $42,500 estimate tracks with these support positions, which is respectable starting pay but may hit a ceiling without additional certifications. National data shows top-performing aviation programs push closer to $53,000 in first-year earnings, suggesting advancement likely requires FAA certificates, a bachelor's degree, or specialized training beyond this two-year program.

With Middle Georgia State as the only aviation program in Georgia at this level, you're looking at limited in-state competition but also limited benchmarking. If your child is aviation-passionate and understands this is a stepping stone—not a direct path to the cockpit—the debt burden won't be crushing. Just confirm what specific career paths this degree actually opens at this school, because the national estimates can't tell you whether graduates here are landing dispatch jobs or working toward pilot credentials through another route.