Air Transportation at CUNY York College

Jamaica, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
31
Optimistic
30
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,349/yr (-31% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (33% exposed)
Job Market Large (60,400 openings/yr)
ROI 14.4x earnings multiple (6.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #53 of 54 Air Transportation programs

Program Analysis

York College's Air Transportation program is situated in a major aviation hub, offering proximity to vast opportunities at JFK and LaGuardia. However, the outcomes reflect the challenging reality for graduates entering the industry without specific flight certifications. While pilot roles command high salaries, a general air transportation degree typically leads to vital ground operations, logistics, or management positions within airlines, cargo companies, or airport authorities. These entry-level roles, though crucial for keeping the industry running, don't often start at the same compensation level as those requiring extensive flight training. Your career trajectory will heavily depend on securing internships and aggressively networking with employers like the Port Authority or various airline ground divisions. To maximize your earning potential, focus on gaining specialized skills or pursuing further certifications in areas like air traffic control or specific airline operations.

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 $419K $422K $408K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.2x 14.4x 13.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.8x 6.9x 6.7x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 48% 39%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 30 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,432
Out-of-state: $61,232 (6.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$18,936
36% less than sticker · See by income

About CUNY York College

CUNY York College accepts 59% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a smaller student body of 4,439 in Jamaica, NY. With 43% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum. After financial aid, the average student pays $18,936 over four years — 36% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at CUNY York College →

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 CUNY York College

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does CUNY York College's Air Transportation program score?
This program scores 30/100 — on the lower end for Air Transportation. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Air Transportation earnings lower at CUNY York College?
Lower starting pay at CUNY York College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →