Air Transportation (Associate's Degree) at Treasure Valley Community College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$42,492

Est. from national median (8 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$13,208

Est. from national median (6 programs)

Analysis

Oregon's air transportation programs typically produce stronger outcomes than the national average, with the state median at $48,594 compared to $42,492 nationally. However, Treasure Valley's estimated earnings fall below this state benchmark, suggesting graduates here may face a tougher start than peers at programs like Central Oregon Community College.

The estimated debt load of $13,208 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31, which is manageable by most standards—roughly three months of gross pay. For students at a community college where 44% receive Pell grants, this relatively modest borrowing to enter aviation careers could make sense, particularly if the associate's degree opens doors to higher-paying positions with experience or additional certifications.

The challenge is that these figures are drawn from peer programs nationally rather than actual outcomes from Treasure Valley graduates. The $6,000 gap between the estimated earnings here and the state median matters considerably in an industry where location, flight hours, and certifications heavily influence starting pay. Before committing, your child should investigate whether Treasure Valley's specific aviation partnerships, equipment access, and job placement track record justify choosing this program over documented alternatives within Oregon.

Where Treasure Valley Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all air transportation associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon

Air Transportation associates's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (5 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Treasure Valley Community CollegeOntario	$6,210	$42,492*	—	$13,208*	—
Central Oregon Community CollegeBend	$4,941	$48,594*	—	$13,416*	0.28
National Median	—	$42,492*	—	$14,803*	0.35

* 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 Treasure Valley Community College, approximately 44% 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 8 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.