Air Transportation at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

Flushing, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
34
Optimistic
34
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,591/yr (-26% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (33% exposed)
Job Market Large (60,400 openings/yr)
ROI 5.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #49 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 $651K $644K $588K
Earnings Multiple 5.6x 5.6x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 48% 39%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 34 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$115,400
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$158,892
-38% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,500
8.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,264
100% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $32,591/yr fall 26% below the $44,286 national median for Air Transportation. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 5.6x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 33% task exposure — and the 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $23,500 debt-to-$32,591 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #49 out of 54 programs, Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology's financial outcomes for Air Transportation trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $32,591 to $65,264 over five years (100% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

with a smaller student body of 1,104 in Flushing, NY. Pell Grant recipients make up 53% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology →

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 Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

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

How does Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology's Air Transportation program score?
This program scores 34/100 — on the lower end for Air Transportation. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Air Transportation earnings lower at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology?
Lower starting pay at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology 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 →