Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 suggests manageable borrowing for this aviation program, though the picture comes with significant uncertainty. Based on comparable aviation bachelor's programs nationally, first-year earnings around $43,000 align with industry entry points—but without actual graduate outcomes from Southern Nazarene, you're making a bet on how well this specific program connects students to aviation careers. Oklahoma's two larger universities with reported data show a $7,000 spread in first-year outcomes, reminding us that program quality and industry connections vary considerably even within the same state.
The estimated $25,125 debt load falls near national norms for aviation programs and wouldn't be crushing at the projected earnings level—monthly payments would consume roughly 13% of take-home pay. However, aviation careers often require additional certifications and flight hours beyond the bachelor's degree, potentially adding costs not captured here. With 45% of students receiving Pell grants, many families at this school are price-sensitive, making those additional training expenses particularly relevant.
The lack of reported data means you're flying blind on what actually happens to graduates of this specific program. Before committing, you need direct answers from the school: employment rates in aviation roles, typical career paths for recent graduates, and whether the degree alone qualifies students for their target positions or if substantial additional training is standard. Those conversations matter more than national estimates when the data won't tell the story.
Where Southern Nazarene University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all air transportation bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Air Transportation bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $29,600 | $43,044* | — | $25,125* | — | |
| $10,234 | $45,682* | — | $19,924* | 0.44 | |
| $9,595 | $38,652* | — | $25,250* | 0.65 | |
| 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 Southern Nazarene University, approximately 45% 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 national median of 54 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.