Air Transportation (Bachelor's Degree) at Saint Louis University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$44,459

59th percentile

Median Debt

$27,000

10% above national median

Analysis

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.

Where Saint Louis University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Saint Louis University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

Air Transportation bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (3 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis	$53,244	$44,459	—	$27,000	0.61
University of Central MissouriWarrensburg	$9,739	$38,283	$60,106	$21,500	0.56
National Median	—	$43,044	—	$24,500	0.57

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 Saint Louis University, approximately 15% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 33 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.