Est. Earnings (1yr)
$42,492
Est. from national median (8 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$13,208
Est. from national median (6 programs)

Analysis

At $13,208 in estimated debt for an associate's degree in air transportation, Vincennes appears positioned below the national median debt of $14,803 for similar programs—though it's worth noting both figures are estimates based on peer institutions. The estimated first-year earnings of $42,492 translate to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31, meaning graduates would owe roughly three months' salary, which sits comfortably within reasonable parameters for two-year technical programs.

The aviation industry's structured career ladders matter here. Similar programs nationally feed graduates into roles like aircraft maintenance technicians, flight dispatchers, and airport operations positions where early earnings often grow substantially with certification advancement. The low proportion of Pell grant recipients (9%) suggests Vincennes may draw from families with aviation connections or the means to supplement federal aid, which could indicate stronger industry networking opportunities but also hints at a less economically diverse student body.

For parents evaluating this investment, the estimated debt load is manageable if your child is genuinely committed to an aviation career—this isn't a field where you casually explore options after graduation. With only three programs statewide and none reporting actual data, you're operating with limited Indiana-specific information. If your child has secured flight hours, internships, or clear employer interest, the program's debt profile makes sense. Without that groundwork, the estimates here can't tell you whether Vincennes specifically delivers the industry connections that make these programs pay off.

Where Vincennes University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Air Transportation associates's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Vincennes UniversityVincennes$6,886$42,492*$13,208*
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona BeachDaytona Beach$42,304$66,957*$66,388$18,750*0.28
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-WorldwideDaytona Beach$11,665$66,957*$66,388$18,750*0.28
Central Oregon Community CollegeBend$4,941$48,594*$13,416*0.28
Community College of Beaver CountyMonaca$7,290$45,028*$68,927$13,000*0.29
Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale$13,244$39,956*$73,930$21,000*0.53
National Median$42,492*$14,803*0.35
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Vincennes University, approximately 9% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 8 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.