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Air Transportation at Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,872/yr (-21% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (33% exposed)

Job Market Large (60,400 openings/yr)

ROI 12.1x earnings multiple (9.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #33 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	$750K	$738K	$665K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.3x	12.1x	10.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	9.8x	9.7x	8.7x
Probability of Field Employment	51%	48%	39%
DegreeOutlook Score	47	46	48

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$61,192

Out-of-state: $76,392 (9.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$74,804

-22% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,500

8.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$77,215

121% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $34,872/yr fall 21% below the $44,286 national median for Air Transportation. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 12.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Air Transportation career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,500 against $34,872/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #33 ranking among 54 Air Transportation programs places Western Michigan University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $34,872-to-$77,215 earnings arc over five years reflects a 121% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University has a 85% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 12,704 students in Kalamazoo, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Michigan 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 Western Michigan University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Air Transportation at Western Michigan University?

At 46/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Air Transportation programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Is Western Michigan University a good choice for Air Transportation despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Western Michigan 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 →