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
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,886 | $42,492* | — | $13,208* | — | |
| $42,304 | $66,957* | $66,388 | $18,750* | 0.28 | |
| $11,665 | $66,957* | $66,388 | $18,750* | 0.28 | |
| $4,941 | $48,594* | — | $13,416* | 0.28 | |
| $7,290 | $45,028* | $68,927 | $13,000* | 0.29 | |
| $13,244 | $39,956* | $73,930 | $21,000* | 0.53 | |
| National Median | — | $42,492* | — | $14,803* | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with air transportation graduates
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Commercial Pilots
Air Traffic Controllers
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Supply Chain Managers
Flight Attendants
First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants
Airfield Operations Specialists
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.