Air Transportation (Bachelor's Degree) at Utah State University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$33,142

5th percentile

Median Debt

$25,500

4% above national median

Analysis

Utah State's Air Transportation program produces first-year earnings of just $33,142—nearly $10,000 below the state median and placing it dead last among Utah's four aviation programs. When a pilot training program delivers earnings this far below both Utah Valley's $56,400 and Westminster's $43,000, parents should ask pointed questions about employment outcomes and industry connections.

The $25,500 debt load is roughly average for aviation programs, but paired with these below-market earnings, it creates a concerning debt-to-earnings ratio. Aviation careers typically offer strong mid-career growth, but starting $10,000 behind your in-state peers means playing catch-up from day one. The 30-100 graduate sample size suggests this isn't a statistical fluke—there's enough data to show a pattern.

For Utah families, this is straightforward: if your child is committed to aviation, Utah Valley's program produces graduates earning 70% more right out of the gate for similar debt. Unless USU offers compelling advantages like specific fleet training or unique flight certifications, paying similar tuition for substantially worse outcomes makes little financial sense. Consider this program only if location in Logan is essential or if specific program features clearly justify the earnings gap.

Where Utah State University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Utah State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Utah

Air Transportation bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Utah (4 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Utah State UniversityLogan	$9,228	$33,142	—	$25,500	0.77
Utah Valley UniversityOrem	$6,270	$56,402	$80,991	$23,500	0.42
Westminster UniversitySalt Lake City	$41,416	$42,917	$59,224	—	—
National Median	—	$43,044	—	$24,500	0.57

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 Utah State University, approximately 26% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 41 graduates with reported earnings and 38 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.