Air Transportation at Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

Oklahoma State's Air Transportation program graduates start at $45,682—above both the national median ($43,044) and the state median ($42,167). While ranking in the 60th percentile among Oklahoma's four aviation programs might sound modest, the reality is more encouraging: OSU graduates actually out-earn those from the University of Oklahoma's aviation program by over $7,000. The 67th percentile national ranking confirms this program holds its own against aviation schools across the country.

The debt picture tells an equally important story. At $19,924, OSU's graduates carry nearly $5,000 less debt than the national median for aviation programs, placing them in the favorable 95th percentile for low debt. The 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary—a manageable burden for a field where career advancement often requires additional certifications and flight hours that cost money upfront.

For parents considering aviation programs, this combination matters. Your child won't graduate with an earnings advantage large enough to offset dramatically higher debt at private aviation schools, but they also won't be saddled with the $30,000+ debt loads common at many competitors. The relatively accessible admission standards (71% acceptance rate) make this a realistic option for students serious about aviation careers who want to avoid starting their flight careers underwater financially.