Air Transportation at Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University's aviation program charges more than most—$27,000 in median debt versus $24,500 nationally—but graduates earn slightly above the national median at $44,459. Among Missouri's three aviation programs, this ranks solidly in the middle on earnings (60th percentile), though the state's relatively modest aviation earnings overall mean you're still looking at starting pay in the mid-$40s rather than the industry's higher-paying trajectories.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 is manageable but not exceptional for aviation, where many programs carry significant training costs but lead to careers with strong mid-career growth potential. The concern here isn't the absolute debt level—it's competitive with similar programs—but whether the premium over University of Central Missouri (where graduates start around $38,000) justifies the extra cost, especially if you're an in-state student considering state schools.

For families comfortable with the roughly $300/month loan payments these debt levels imply, this program provides a reasonably safe path into commercial aviation careers. Just recognize that the real financial payoff in this field typically comes 5-10 years out as pilots accumulate hours and move to regional or major carriers—the first-year earnings don't tell the full story.