Est. Earnings (1yr)
$40,102
Est. from OH median (3 programs)
Median Debt
$25,000
2% above national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Zanesville CampusZanesville$6,178$40,102*$73,463$25,000—
Kent State University at KentKent$12,846$40,876*$66,019$24,7300.61
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$40,102*$65,965$24,8420.62
Bowling Green State University-Main CampusBowling Green$14,081$33,172*—$25,0000.75
National Median—$43,044*—$24,5000.57
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with air transportation graduates

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.

$198,100/yrJobs growth:

Commercial Pilots

Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.

$198,100/yrJobs growth:

Air Traffic Controllers

Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.

$144,580/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.

$102,010/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Supply Chain Managers

Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. Examine existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining activities to meet product distribution needs. Direct the movement, storage, or processing of inventory.

$102,010/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Flight Attendants

Monitor safety of the aircraft cabin. Provide services to airline passengers, explain safety information, serve food and beverages, and respond to emergency incidents.

$67,130/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants

Supervise and coordinate activities of passenger attendants.

Airfield Operations Specialists

Ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft. Duties include coordination between air-traffic control and maintenance personnel, dispatching, using airfield landing and navigational aids, implementing airfield safety procedures, monitoring and maintaining flight records, and applying knowledge of weather information.

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.