Air Transportation at Ohio University-Southern Campus

Ohio's aviation programs typically produce first-year earnings around $40,000, which puts this program right in the middle of the pack statewide. At $25,000 in debt—essentially matching both state and national medians for aviation bachelor's degrees—the financial picture looks manageable, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 that suggests graduates can reasonably handle their loan payments on entry-level aviation salaries.

The real story emerges in year four, where earnings jump to over $73,000. This trajectory aligns with how aviation careers typically work: pilots and aviation professionals often start at modest salaries while building flight hours and certifications, then see substantial income growth as they move into commercial positions or specialized roles. That nearly doubling of income within four years suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into better-paying positions in the field.

For parents evaluating this program, the key consideration is that the debt load is standard for aviation degrees nationwide, and the earnings progression—though estimated from comparable Ohio programs—follows the typical aviation career arc. The low Pell grant percentage (12%) might indicate a student body with existing family aviation connections or resources, which can help with the additional costs beyond tuition that aviation training often requires. If your child is committed to an aviation career and can handle the initial modest salary, the four-year earnings suggest the investment pays off relatively quickly.