Air Transportation at University of Minnesota-Crookston

Minnesota's aviation programs typically launch graduates into first-year earnings around $45,000, and comparable bachelor's programs nationwide suggest similar outcomes—the $43,000 estimate here falls just below both state and national medians. The estimated $23,500 in debt sits comfortably below the national benchmark for aviation programs, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55. That means roughly half a year's salary to pay off educational debt, which is reasonable for a technical field.

What makes this calculation trickier is the size of the program—it's small enough that the Department of Education suppresses actual graduate outcomes. While aviation is a field with relatively standardized training requirements and certifications (which suggests similar programs should produce comparable results), you're essentially betting that Crookston's graduates will mirror the national pattern rather than underperform it. Minnesota State-Mankato, the only in-state program with reported data, shows slightly higher earnings at $45,200, suggesting Minnesota's aviation market is competitive.

The financial profile looks workable if the estimates hold true, but you're making an investment without seeing this specific program's track record. If your child is committed to aviation and needs a Minnesota option, the debt load is modest enough to absorb some uncertainty. Just recognize you're relying on how peer programs perform rather than evidence from Crookston's own graduates.