Air Transportation at Auburn University

Auburn, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,856/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (33% exposed)
Job Market Large (60,400 openings/yr)
ROI 9.0x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #50 of 54 Air Transportation programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Air Transportation graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $451K $453K $433K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.0x 9.0x 8.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.3x 3.3x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 48% 39%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,144
Out-of-state: $135,776 (3.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$95,588
-91% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,856 place Auburn University below the $44,286 national median for Air Transportation — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

A 9.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Air Transportation career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,500 against $35,856/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #50 ranking among 54 Air Transportation programs places Auburn University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Auburn University

A 50% admission rate makes Auburn University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, one of the larger campuses at 25,732 students in Auburn, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at Auburn University →

Top Career Paths

Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers $226,600/yr
Air traffic controllers $144,580/yr
Commercial pilots $122,670/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Air Transportation at Other Schools

Other Majors at Auburn University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Air Transportation at Auburn University?
At 33/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Air Transportation programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Auburn University a good choice for Air Transportation despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Auburn University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →