Air Transportation at Minnesota State University-Mankato

Mankato, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
62
Optimistic
61
Base Case
60
Pessimistic
Earnings $45,193/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (33% exposed)
Job Market Large (60,400 openings/yr)
ROI 19.6x earnings multiple (9.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #6 of 54 Air Transportation programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

This program's strong standing reflects the critical demand for skilled aviation professionals, particularly within the Midwest's robust regional air transportation network. As a public institution, Minnesota State-Mankato likely offers a practical, hands-on curriculum focused on building essential flight hours and certifications, which are paramount in this field. You'll enter a job market eager for pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation managers, with many graduates finding roles at regional airlines, cargo operators, or general aviation companies serving the region. The career paths often involve significant travel and irregular hours, but the compensation reflects specialized expertise. To maximize your outcome, actively pursue every opportunity for flight time and consider internships with local or regional aviation companies to build connections and experience early in your studies.

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 $754K $742K $668K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.9x 19.6x 17.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 10.0x 9.8x 8.9x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 48% 39%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 61 60

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$37,960
Out-of-state: $75,440 (9.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,436
-96% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$84,367
87% growth from Year 1

About Minnesota State University-Mankato

Minnesota State University-Mankato accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 11,325 students in Mankato, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at Minnesota State University-Mankato →

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 Minnesota State University-Mankato

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

What does a 61/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Air Transportation at Minnesota State University-Mankato?
At 61/100, Minnesota State University-Mankato's Air Transportation program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is Minnesota State University-Mankato one of the best schools for Air Transportation?
Among 54 Air Transportation programs, Minnesota State University-Mankato's #6 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →