Air Transportation at Reedley College

The debt-to-earnings picture here looks manageable on paper—a 0.31 ratio based on national median figures for similar aviation programs—but the lack of actual graduate outcomes from Reedley College means families are flying blind. When comparable programs nationally report first-year earnings around $42,500 and debt near $13,200, that suggests aviation associate's degrees can lead to livable entry-level positions. However, with 13 schools offering this program in California and none reporting trackable outcomes, it's unclear whether Reedley's specific program connects graduates to jobs at regional airports, major carriers, or aviation services companies that actually pay these wages.

Aviation is notoriously credential- and certificate-dependent, and an associate's degree alone may not be sufficient for many pilot or air traffic control positions that require FAA certifications or bachelor's degrees. If this program primarily feeds into aircraft maintenance or ground operations roles, the estimated earnings make sense. If it's positioning students for careers requiring additional costly certifications or further education, that $13,200 debt figure is just the beginning of the investment. The 28% Pell grant rate suggests a mix of students, some of whom may struggle if this credential doesn't translate directly into employment at the projected salary level without additional training.