2027 Best Value Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot & Flight Crew Schools

[Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot & Flight Crew](/majors/transportation-materials-handling/air-transportation/airline-commercial-professional-pilot-and-flight-crew/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 78 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew students.
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Finding the Best Value Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot & Flight Crew School for You
Where you study airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew affects both what you pay and what you earn. That is why we developed our Best Value Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot & Flight Crew Schools ranking. We score each school on the balance of tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the best value.
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2027 Best Value Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot & Flight Crew Schools in the United States
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot & Flight Crew Schools
San Diego Miramar College tops our 2027 list of the best value airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew schools in the United States. Set in the city of San Diego, San Diego Miramar College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,146, while out-of-state students pay about $10,002. Typical student debt for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates is $8,098. Soon after graduation, airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew degree recipients from San Diego Miramar College generally make around $41,038. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Texas A And M University Central Texas is a great value for students pursuing a degree in airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the rural area of Killeen, Texas A And M University Central Texas is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,363, compared with $17,155 for out-of-state students. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates carry a median of $23,160 in student loans. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates of Texas A And M University Central Texas earn a median of $50,370 early in their careers. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Cypress College one of the best values for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew. Cypress College is a very large public school located in the city of Cypress. Students from in state pay about $1,150 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,379. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,533 ten years after entry.
Utah Valley University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,507, compared with $18,489 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates is $23,500. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates of Utah Valley University earn a median of $56,402 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,500 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Tarrant County College District earned it the #5 place for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew. Tarrant County College District is a very large public school located in the city of Fort Worth. In-state tuition and fees average $1,863, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates carry a median of $15,148 in student loans. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates of Tarrant County College District earn a median of $45,158 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,148 median debt.
Miami Dade College earned the #6 position for value in airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew this year. Set in the city of Miami, Miami Dade College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,838, compared with $9,661 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates is $11,967. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates of Miami Dade College earn a median of $40,267 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,967 median debt.
Florida State College At Jacksonville came in at #7 for value in airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew this year. Set in the city of Jacksonville, Florida State College At Jacksonville is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,657 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,631. Students borrow a median of $19,139 to complete the airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew program here. Early-career airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates make about $46,748. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Northwestern Michigan College earned the #8 position for value in airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew this year. Set in the city of Traverse City, Northwestern Michigan College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,860, compared with $13,476 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,803 to complete the airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew program here. Soon after graduation, airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew degree recipients from Northwestern Michigan College generally make around $37,988. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Mercer County Community College came in at #9 for value in airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew this year. Located in the rural area of West Windsor, Mercer County Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,310, with out-of-state students paying around $9,174. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates carry a median of $12,250 in student loans. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates of Mercer County Community College earn a median of $45,389 early in their careers. Set against $12,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Sinclair Community College placed #10 among the best values for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew. Set in the city of Dayton, Sinclair Community College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,675, compared with $8,556 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates is $12,525. Soon after graduation, airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew degree recipients from Sinclair Community College generally make around $35,348. Set against $12,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Fullerton College landed the #11 spot for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew value this year. Set in the suburb of Fullerton, Fullerton College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,151, with out-of-state students paying around $12,379. Median earnings reach $43,366 ten years out.
Madisonville Community College placed #12 among the best values for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew. Set in the town of Madisonville, Madisonville Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,432. Typical student debt for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates is $10,985. Soon after graduation, airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew degree recipients from Madisonville Community College generally make around $41,084. Set against $10,985 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Tulsa Community College placed #13 among the best values for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew. Set in the city of Tulsa, Tulsa Community College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,792 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,720. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates carry a median of $15,789 in student loans. Early-career airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates make about $41,718. That is a strong return on a $15,789 median debt.
Orange Coast College came in at #14 for value in airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew this year. Set in the city of Costa Mesa, Orange Coast College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,392, compared with $11,640 for out-of-state students. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates carry a median of $8,978 in student loans. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates of Orange Coast College earn a median of $46,306 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $8,978 median debt.
Ozarka College placed #15 among the best values for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew. Set in the rural area of Melbourne, Ozarka College is a small public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,820, with out-of-state students paying around $6,820. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates carry a median of $11,778 in student loans. Soon after graduation, airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew degree recipients from Ozarka College generally make around $48,116. That is a strong return on a $11,778 median debt.
Mt San Antonio College landed the #16 spot for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew value this year. Located in the suburb of Walnut, Mt San Antonio College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,364, with out-of-state students paying around $10,464. Typical student debt for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates is $9,384. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates of Mt San Antonio College earn a median of $44,391 early in their careers. Set against $9,384 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Community College Of Beaver County placed #17 among the best values for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew. Located in the suburb of Monaca, Community College Of Beaver County is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,500, with out-of-state students paying around $20,700. Students borrow a median of $13,000 to complete the airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew program here. Soon after graduation, airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew degree recipients from Community College Of Beaver County generally make around $45,028. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Ivy Tech Community College ranked #18 on our 2027 list of the best value airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew schools. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates carry a median of $11,889 in student loans. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates of Ivy Tech Community College earn a median of $40,734 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Sacramento City College placed #19 among the best values for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew. Sacramento City College is a very large public school located in the city of Sacramento. Students from in state pay about $1,288 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,616 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates is $13,180. Soon after graduation, airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew degree recipients from Sacramento City College generally make around $46,522. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
College Of Southern Nevada ranked #20 on our 2027 list of the best value airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew schools. College Of Southern Nevada is a very large public school located in the city of Las Vegas. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,358, with out-of-state students paying around $13,024. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates carry a median of $9,980 in student loans. Early-career airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates make about $35,850. That is a strong return on a $9,980 median debt.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University ranked #21 on our 2027 list of the best value airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew schools. Located in the town of Durant, Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,200, compared with $16,410 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates is $18,660. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates of Southeastern Oklahoma State University earn a median of $51,797 early in their careers. Set against $18,660 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southeastern Oklahoma State University admits about 76% of applicants.
Ozarks Technical Community College landed the #22 spot for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew value this year. Ozarks Technical Community College is a large public school located in the city of Springfield. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,256, with out-of-state students paying around $7,040. Students borrow a median of $15,866 to complete the airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew program here. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates of Ozarks Technical Community College earn a median of $36,644 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Parkland College ranked #23 on our 2027 list of the best value airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew schools. Located in the city of Champaign, Parkland College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,284, while out-of-state students pay about $13,266. Typical student debt for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates is $10,168. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates of Parkland College earn a median of $40,409 early in their careers. Set against $10,168 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Cochise College earned the #24 position for value in airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew this year. Located in the city of Sierra Vista, Cochise College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,280 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,120. Students borrow a median of $12,013 to complete the airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew program here. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates of Cochise College earn a median of $40,712 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,013 median debt.
Polk State College earned the #25 position for value in airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew this year. Set in the city of Winter Haven, Polk State College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,694, with out-of-state students paying around $9,818. Students borrow a median of $11,197 to complete the airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew program here. Soon after graduation, airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew degree recipients from Polk State College generally make around $50,499. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot & Flight Crew Schools
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew value ranking:
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 78 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 78 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.