Analysis
Similar Air Transportation programs in Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $40,102, with this program's $25,000 debt load landing right at the state median. That 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would owe roughly seven and a half months of first-year salary—manageable territory for aviation careers that typically require significant technical training and certifications upfront.
The jump to $73,463 by year four tells a more encouraging story. If that trajectory holds for Ohio University-Zanesville graduates, the initial earnings plateau gives way to solid mid-career prospects. Aviation careers often follow this pattern: modest starts while building hours and credentials, followed by meaningful salary growth as pilots or aviation managers advance. The debt picture here won't trap graduates even if they're earning at the lower end during those first years of building flight time.
What matters most is whether this regional campus provides the flight training infrastructure and industry connections needed to reach those year-four earnings. The estimated figures come from peer Ohio programs like Kent State and Ohio State, schools with established aviation programs. Before committing, verify that Zanesville's specific program offers comparable training facilities, instructor credentials, and airline partnerships—those operational details will determine whether your child's outcomes match what similar programs deliver.
Where Ohio University-Zanesville 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-Zanesville 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
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-Zanesville Campus, approximately 10% 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.