Air Transportation at Southwestern Illinois College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 suggests manageable finances for this aviation program, but the full picture requires context that small graduate cohorts make difficult to assess. Based on comparable associate degree programs nationally, first-year earnings around $42,500 appear typical for entry-level aviation positions, which often start in roles like ground operations or flight instruction before advancing to more lucrative commercial aviation careers. The estimated $13,200 in debt sits below both the national and state medians for similar programs, making this one of the more affordable aviation training options if those estimates hold.

The challenge is that aviation careers follow wildly different trajectories depending on the specific path—aircraft maintenance technicians, air traffic controllers, and commercial pilots all fall under this umbrella but have vastly different earnings curves. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, the only Illinois school with reported data, shows graduates earning around $40,000, slightly below the national average, suggesting regional aviation wages may lag. That 26% Pell grant rate indicates the program serves a mix of students, some relying heavily on financial aid for what can be an expensive career path with significant additional certification costs beyond the degree itself.

For families, the key question isn't just about these estimated figures but about which aviation career path your child is targeting and whether this associate degree provides the necessary certifications or serves mainly as a stepping stone. The relatively low debt estimate makes it less risky than many aviation programs, but verify what additional training costs lie ahead.