Air Transportation (Associate's Degree) at Ozarka College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$42,492

Est. from national median (8 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$13,208

Est. from national median (6 programs)

Analysis

An estimated $13,208 in debt against first-year earnings around $42,500 suggests Ozarka's air transportation program could offer a manageable entry into aviation careers. Based on comparable associate programs nationally, graduates typically earn enough to handle their debt load—that 0.31 ratio means roughly three months of gross pay to cover what they borrowed, which is reasonable for a two-year credential.

The challenge here is Arkansas context. With only two schools offering this program statewide and no reported outcomes data from either, it's hard to gauge how aviation career paths specifically play out in the region. National figures show the field varies considerably—top programs produce first-year earnings above $53,000—but whether Arkansas aviation employers pay competitive wages or if graduates need to relocate for better opportunities remains unclear. Nearly half of Ozarka students receive Pell grants, so managing even modest debt matters.

If your child is serious about aviation and can complete this program near the estimated debt level, the math works on paper. Just recognize you're betting on national industry patterns applying locally when Arkansas-specific outcomes aren't available to confirm that assumption.

Where Ozarka College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all air transportation associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Air Transportation associates's programs at top institutions nationally

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Ozarka CollegeMelbourne	$3,820	$42,492*	—	$13,208*	—
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona BeachDaytona Beach	$42,304	$66,957*	$66,388	$18,750*	0.28
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-WorldwideDaytona Beach	$11,665	$66,957*	$66,388	$18,750*	0.28
Central Oregon Community CollegeBend	$4,941	$48,594*	—	$13,416*	0.28
Community College of Beaver CountyMonaca	$7,290	$45,028*	$68,927	$13,000*	0.29
Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale	$13,244	$39,956*	$73,930	$21,000*	0.53
National Median	—	$42,492*	—	$14,803*	0.35

* 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 Ozarka College, approximately 47% 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 national median of 8 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.