2026 Best Value Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot & Flight Crew Bachelor’s Degree 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 schools below stand out for delivering a strong airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 130 schools to find the best return on investment for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew students.
What’s on this page:
2026 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
Texas A And M University Central Texas earned the #1 spot for value among airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew schools in the United States. Located in the rural area of Killeen, Texas A And M University Central Texas is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $7,363 in tuition and fees, 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. The acceptance rate is 100%.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew schools. Set in the town of Durant, Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,200, with out-of-state students paying around $16,410. Students borrow a median of $18,660 to complete the airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew program here. Soon after graduation, airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew degree recipients from Southeastern Oklahoma State University generally make around $51,797. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%.
Utah Valley University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew schools. Located in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,507, with out-of-state students paying around $18,489. Typical student debt for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates is $23,500. Early-career airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates make about $56,402. That is a strong return on a $23,500 median debt.
Polk State College 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 Winter Haven, Polk State College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,694 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,818. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates carry a median of $11,197 in student loans. Soon after graduation, airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew degree recipients from Polk State College generally make around $50,499. Set against $11,197 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #5 makes Farmingdale State College one of the best values for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew. Located in the suburb of Farmingdale, Farmingdale State College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,626, while out-of-state students pay about $18,536. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates of Farmingdale State College earn a median of $41,960 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Farmingdale State College admits about 63% of applicants.
Southern Utah University came in at #6 for value in airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew this year. Set in the town of Cedar City, Southern Utah University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,962, compared with $21,192 for out-of-state students. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates carry a median of $12,886 in student loans. Early-career airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates make about $44,998. Set against $12,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Louisiana Tech University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew schools. Set in the town of Ruston, Louisiana Tech University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,125, while out-of-state students pay about $16,866. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates carry a median of $20,375 in student loans. Early-career airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates make about $35,669. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Green River Community College earned the #8 position for value in airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew this year. Set in the city of Auburn, Green River Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,711, while out-of-state students pay about $5,263. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,712.
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #9 spot for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew value this year. Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of West Lafayette. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Typical student debt for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates is $21,250. Soon after graduation, airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew degree recipients from Purdue University Main Campus generally make around $45,190. That is a strong return on a $21,250 median debt. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted.
Indiana State University came in at #10 for value in airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew this year. Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Terre Haute. Students from in state pay about $10,258 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,322. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete the airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew program here. Early-career airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates make about $40,112. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%.
Delta State University earned the #11 position for value in airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew this year. Delta State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Cleveland. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,605. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew program here. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates of Delta State University earn a median of $32,537 early in their careers. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.
Central Washington University placed #12 among the best values for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew. Located in the town of Ellensburg, Central Washington University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,417, with out-of-state students paying around $27,526. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew program here. Early-career airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates make about $40,025. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Central Washington University admits about 91% of applicants.
University Of Alaska Anchorage placed #13 among the best values for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew. Set in the city of Anchorage, University Of Alaska Anchorage is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,738 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,322 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew program here. Soon after graduation, airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew degree recipients from University Of Alaska Anchorage generally make around $40,796. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Central Missouri earned the #14 position for value in airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew this year. University Of Central Missouri is a large public school located in the town of Warrensburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,050, while out-of-state students pay about $18,600. Typical student debt for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates is $21,500. Soon after graduation, airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew degree recipients from University Of Central Missouri generally make around $38,283. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Missouri admits about 64% of applicants.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale landed the #15 spot for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew value this year. Set in the town of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,334. Typical student debt for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates is $20,500. Early-career airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates make about $44,063. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.
Kansas State University earned the #16 position for value in airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew this year. Set in the city of Manhattan, Kansas State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew program here. Early-career airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates make about $51,198. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Henderson State University landed the #17 spot for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew value this year. Located in the town of Arkadelphia, Henderson State University is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,244, with out-of-state students paying around $10,620. Students borrow a median of $23,234 to complete the airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew program here. Early-career airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates make about $40,131. That is a strong return on a $23,234 median debt.
Lewis University earned the #18 position for value in airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew this year. Located in the suburb of Romeoville, Lewis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $39,200 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,873 to complete the airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew program here. Soon after graduation, airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew degree recipients from Lewis University generally make around $55,718. Set against $24,873 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.
Eastern Michigan University landed the #19 spot for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew value this year. Set in the suburb of Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,990. Typical student debt for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates is $29,750. Soon after graduation, airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew degree recipients from Eastern Michigan University generally make around $40,846. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Michigan University admits about 80% of applicants.
Western Michigan University came in at #20 for value in airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew this year. Western Michigan University is a large public school located in the city of Kalamazoo. Students from in state pay about $15,987 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew program here. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates of Western Michigan University earn a median of $48,966 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants.
Kent State University At Kent placed #21 among the best values for airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew. Set in the suburb of Kent, Kent State University At Kent is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates carry a median of $24,730 in student loans. Early-career airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates make about $44,776. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide came in at #22 for value in airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew this year. Set in the city of Daytona Beach, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,097. Students borrow a median of $22,000 to complete the airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew program here. Soon after graduation, airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew degree recipients from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide generally make around $54,827. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide admits about 58% of applicants.
Rocky Mountain College earned the #23 position for value in airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew this year. Rocky Mountain College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Billings. Students from in state pay about $35,582 in tuition and fees. Airline/commercial/professional Pilot & Flight Crew graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew degree recipients from Rocky Mountain College generally make around $41,588. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Rocky Mountain College admits about 70% of applicants.
Vermont Technical College came in at #24 for value in airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew this year. Located in the rural area of Randolph, Vermont Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,952, while out-of-state students pay about $22,296. Students borrow a median of $24,208 to complete the airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew program here. Soon after graduation, airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew degree recipients from Vermont Technical College generally make around $41,822. Set against $24,208 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
Broward College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew schools. Set in the city of Fort Lauderdale, Broward College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,830, compared with $8,952 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,110 to complete the airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew program here. Early-career airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew graduates make about $51,328. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Rest of the Top 33 Best Value Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot & Flight Crew Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew:
Other Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot & Flight Crew Degree Levels
Explore the best-value airline/commercial/professional pilot & flight crew schools at other degree levels:
View All Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot & Flight Crew Rankings >
Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 130 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 13 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.
