Air Transportation at Southern Utah University

Southern Utah University's aviation program shows estimated first-year earnings of $42,917—right at the median for Utah's three comparable programs and essentially matching the national benchmark. With estimated debt around $23,573, this creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first year's salary. These figures come from peer aviation programs since this specific program's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to publish individual outcomes.

What's worth noting is the range among Utah's aviation programs. Utah Valley University reports substantially higher earnings at $56,402 for their graduates, while Utah State comes in lower at $33,142. This $23,000 spread suggests that where you train in Utah matters—whether due to airline partnerships, flight hour requirements, or regional hiring patterns. SUU's position in the middle of this pack, combined with the school's 80% admission rate, indicates a relatively accessible entry point into aviation careers without the premium price tag of more selective programs.

For parents, the estimated numbers suggest a workable investment if your student is committed to professional flying. The debt load appears reasonable for an industry where career advancement typically comes through flight hours and certifications beyond the bachelor's degree. However, given the estimation and the visible variation among Utah programs, visiting SUU to understand their specific airline partnerships and job placement track record would help confirm whether this particular program delivers the outcomes these peer comparisons suggest.