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Air Transportation at Delta State University

Cleveland, MS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,537/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (33% exposed)
Job Market Large (60,400 openings/yr)
ROI 12.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #51 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 $432K $435K $418K
Earnings Multiple 12.5x 12.6x 12.2x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 48% 39%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 32 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$34,420
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,112
-60% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Delta State University's Air Transportation graduates start at $32,537/yr, trailing the $44,286 national average by 27%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 12.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Air Transportation career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,500 against $32,537/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #51 ranking among 54 Air Transportation programs places Delta State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Delta State University

A 100% acceptance rate means Delta State University is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 1,613 in Cleveland, MS. With 43% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Delta State 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

Compare this program → View all 54 schools offering Air Transportation →

Air Transportation at Other Schools

Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus ($88,085) Hallmark University ($79,086) University of North Texas ($56,487) Utah Valley University ($56,402) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott ($54,827) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach ($54,827) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide ($54,827) Everglades University ($53,331)

Other Majors at Delta State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($68,221) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($39,008) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($34,177) Business/Commerce, General ($30,953) Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General ($28,918) Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management ($25,415) Visual and Performing Arts, General ($24,839) Biology, General ($20,823)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Air Transportation trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Air Transportation at Delta State University?
At 32/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Air Transportation programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Delta State University a good choice for Air Transportation despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Delta State 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 →