Air Transportation at University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota's aviation program offers something increasingly rare: fast and substantial income growth from a manageable starting point. While $46,000 might seem modest right out of college, graduates see their earnings jump 61% to nearly $75,000 within just four years—a trajectory that reflects the structured career progression typical in commercial aviation, where pilots and aviation managers move quickly from entry positions into higher-paying roles as they build flight hours and certifications.

The debt picture looks reasonable at $22,769, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 that's better than many bachelor's programs. This program outperforms 70% of aviation programs nationally in first-year earnings despite being at a school with a 77% admission rate, suggesting UND has built strong industry connections that translate into solid job placement. The moderate debt is particularly important given that many aviation students face additional costs for flight training beyond tuition.

For families considering aviation careers, this represents a smart entry point into an industry with clear advancement pathways and strong long-term demand. The four-year earnings trajectory shows the investment pays off relatively quickly, and graduates aren't starting their careers buried under overwhelming debt. Just recognize that the first year or two will likely involve regional carrier work at those lower wages before moving up to major airlines or specialized aviation roles.