Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
In Ohio, aviation programs range widely in outcomes, and Ohio University-Chillicothe's estimated trajectory suggests this regional campus holds its own. With first-year earnings around $40,000—based on comparable bachelor's programs in the state—graduates appear to match what's typical for Ohio aviation schools. The $25,000 debt load sits right at the state median, putting this program squarely in line with peer institutions rather than standing out as particularly affordable or expensive.
The four-year earnings figure of $73,463 tells a more encouraging story about career progression in this field. That substantial jump from the estimated first-year figure suggests aviation careers build momentum once graduates accumulate experience and potentially additional certifications. The 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio based on that estimated starting point isn't alarming, though it does mean graduates will likely spend their first year or two managing debt payments before seeing more financial breathing room.
What matters here is recognizing the uncertainty baked into these estimates. Because this campus's actual graduate outcomes aren't publicly reported, you're looking at proxies drawn from other Ohio aviation programs—schools like Kent State and Ohio State. If your child is serious about this field and this campus specifically, visiting the program and asking directly about job placement rates, airline partnerships, and where recent graduates actually landed would be essential to confirm whether this estimate reflects their reality or just their neighbors'.
Where Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all air transportation bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus | — | $73,463 | — |
| Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus | $88,085 | $118,920 | +35% |
| Utah Valley University | $56,402 | $80,991 | +44% |
| Kent State University at Kent | $40,876 | $66,019 | +62% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $40,102 | $65,965 | +64% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Air Transportation bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,178 | $40,102* | $73,463 | $25,000 | — | |
| $12,846 | $40,876* | $66,019 | $24,730 | 0.61 | |
| $12,859 | $40,102* | $65,965 | $24,842 | 0.62 | |
| $14,081 | $33,172* | — | $25,000 | 0.75 | |
| 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
Explore Related Programs
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 Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus, approximately 16% 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 3 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.