Est. Earnings (1yr)
$40,102
Est. from OH median (3 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,000
Est. from OH median (9 programs)

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Sinclair Community CollegeDayton$3,435$40,102*—$25,000*—
Kent State University at KentKent$12,846$40,876*$66,019$24,730*0.61
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$40,102*$65,965$24,842*0.62
Bowling Green State University-Main CampusBowling Green$14,081$33,172*—$25,000*0.75
National Median—$43,044*—$24,500*0.57
* Estimated from similar programs

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 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.