Air Transportation at University of Alaska Anchorage

Four years out, graduates of this program earn a solid $71,815—actual reported data that reflects Alaska's robust aviation sector, where pilots and aviation technicians command premium wages. The $13,208 in estimated debt at graduation, based on comparable associate's programs nationwide, creates a manageable 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio against first-year earnings that similar air transportation programs typically produce around $42,500.

The trajectory here is what matters. While we're working with estimated early earnings and debt figures due to small cohort sizes, that four-year salary of nearly $72,000 tells the real story. Alaska's geographic isolation makes aviation essential infrastructure, not luxury, and the state employs aviation workers at rates far exceeding the national average. That mid-career earning power, combined with relatively modest debt, suggests graduates are building genuine career momentum.

For parents evaluating this investment, the known outcome—$72,000 at year four—provides the clearest signal. The estimated debt load appears reasonable for an aviation credential, though you'll want to confirm actual financial aid packages with the school directly. If your student is serious about aviation and willing to work in Alaska's unique environment, the economics look favorable, especially given how quickly earnings appear to climb past that initial period.