Air Transportation at Parkland College

Based on comparable aviation programs nationally, this associate's degree appears financially manageable with estimated debt around $13,200—roughly $8,000 less than typical for aviation programs and well below Illinois' state median of $21,000. With first-year earnings estimated at $42,500, graduates would face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31, meaning debt represents about four months of gross income. That's a workable starting point for entry into aviation careers.

The challenge is that these figures come from peer programs rather than Parkland's actual outcomes, so there's inherent uncertainty. Illinois' aviation programs show considerable variation, and the single program with reported data (Southern Illinois University-Carbondale at roughly $40,000 in earnings) suggests the state's aviation job market may run slightly cooler than national averages. Aviation careers also depend heavily on additional certifications, flight hours, and specific career paths—factors that can significantly affect both time-to-employment and earning trajectories beyond what first-year numbers capture.

For families considering this program, the relatively low estimated debt load is encouraging, particularly if your student can minimize borrowing further through scholarships or part-time work. However, recognize you're working with educated guesses rather than track record data. Connect with Parkland's aviation program directly to understand job placement rates, employer relationships, and what additional training costs or certifications graduates typically need before they're employable in their target roles.