Air Transportation at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology

The earnings trajectory here tells an unusual story: Spartan's air transportation graduates start at just $35,377—barely beating the Oklahoma median and well below the national $42,492—but quadruple that figure to $73,236 within four years. That 107% growth rate suggests graduates are moving through entry-level positions quickly, likely building flight hours and certifications that unlock substantially better-paying roles. With debt at $19,186, you're looking at a manageable half-year's salary initially, which becomes a non-issue once earnings accelerate.

The national percentile ranking (11th) is misleading here. Spartan sits right at Oklahoma's median for first-year earnings, which makes sense in a lower cost-of-living state where aviation training programs compete on price. More importantly, the debt is contained—14th percentile nationally means 86% of similar programs saddle students with more debt. That conservative borrowing becomes a real advantage when paired with strong earnings growth.

The major caveat is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates means one person's career path can swing these numbers significantly. But the pattern aligns with how aviation careers typically work—you're essentially paying for credentials and hours that matter more than your diploma's prestige. If your child is committed to flying professionally and willing to grind through lower-earning early years, the debt load won't derail them while they build experience.