Analysis
A bachelor's degree in Air Transportation from Sinclair comes with an estimated debt load of $25,000—right in line with what other aviation programs in Ohio typically require. Based on comparable programs across the state, first-year earnings around $40,000 suggest graduates can expect to service this debt with about 62% of their first year's salary, which sits in workable territory. The national picture shows similar programs producing median earnings of $43,000, so Ohio aviation grads generally start slightly below the national average.
What complicates the picture here is that this is a community college offering a bachelor's degree in a field where most programs sit at four-year universities. Kent State and Ohio State—both traditional universities with established aviation programs—see their graduates earning in this same $40,000 range, suggesting Sinclair's estimated outcomes align with larger institutions. That's potentially good news on value, though the limited graduate data (hence the estimates) means this program likely has a small cohort, which could affect networking and industry connections.
The debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates should be able to manage repayment, assuming they land in aviation-related roles quickly. But with 27% of Sinclair students receiving Pell grants, families need to understand that these estimates come from peer programs, not this specific school's track record. If your child is committed to aviation and staying in Ohio, the numbers suggest a manageable investment—just recognize you're betting on Sinclair replicating what similar programs achieve rather than following a proven local track record.
Where Sinclair Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all air transportation bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Air Transportation bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,435 | $40,102* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $12,846 | $40,876* | $66,019 | $24,730* | 0.61 | |
| $12,859 | $40,102* | $65,965 | $24,842* | 0.62 | |
| $14,081 | $33,172* | — | $25,000* | 0.75 | |
| National Median | — | $43,044* | — | $24,500* | 0.57 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with air transportation graduates
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Commercial Pilots
Air Traffic Controllers
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Supply Chain Managers
Flight Attendants
First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants
Airfield Operations Specialists
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 Sinclair Community College, approximately 27% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.