Air Transportation at Pacific Union College

Similar air transportation programs in California suggest first-year earnings around $49,000, which actually exceeds the national median for aviation bachelor's degrees by about $6,000. This positions the field favorably compared to many four-year degrees, though the small number of programs in the state (just eight) means there's real variability in outcomes depending on where graduates land jobs and what aviation career paths they pursue.

The estimated $25,000 in debt sits right at the national median for this major, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51—meaning graduates would owe roughly half a year's salary. That's manageable territory, especially in an industry where career progression can be strong for those who advance to commercial airline positions or specialized aviation roles. However, it's worth noting that aviation careers often require additional certifications and flight hours beyond the bachelor's degree, which represents costs not captured in these figures.

The main uncertainty here is that Pacific Union College's program is too small for the Department of Education to report specific outcomes, so you're relying on state averages that include everything from large state schools to specialized aviation academies. If your child is passionate about aviation and the program offers solid flight training and industry connections, the estimated financial picture suggests reasonable debt relative to entry-level earnings. Just budget for the reality that becoming a commercial pilot typically requires investment beyond tuition.