Air Transportation at Utah Valley University

Utah Valley University's aviation program is a standout performer, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile among Utah schools—placing it well ahead of Westminster and nearly doubling Utah State's outcomes. Graduates start at $56,402, already $13,000 above the national median for aviation programs, and jump to $81,000 by year four. That 44% earnings growth reflects the reality of building flight hours and credentials in commercial aviation, where early-career pilots move quickly from regional positions to better-paying opportunities.

The $23,500 debt load is reasonable given these earnings—about five months of first-year salary and well below what you'll see at many aviation schools. The 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio means your child would be managing debt equivalent to less than half their first year's income, which is manageable territory even before those earnings climb substantially. With robust sample size backing these numbers, this isn't a fluke based on a few lucky graduates.

For families considering aviation programs, UVU delivers professional pilot training at public university pricing with demonstrably strong placement outcomes. The earning trajectory aligns with how commercial aviation careers actually develop, and starting well above typical regional pilot wages suggests strong industry connections or training quality that employers value.