2026 Best Value Aviation/Airway Management & Operations Schools in the Far Western Region

1

San Diego Miramar College
San Diego, CA

For return on investment in aviation/airway management & operations, no school beat San Diego Miramar College this year. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego Miramar College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,146, compared with $10,002 for out-of-state students. Aviation/airway Management & Operations graduates carry a median of $8,098 in student loans. Aviation/airway Management & Operations graduates of San Diego Miramar College earn a median of $41,038 early in their careers. Set against $8,098 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Cypress College
Cypress, CA

Cypress College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value aviation/airway management & operations schools. Located in the city of Cypress, Cypress College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,150, compared with $12,379 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,533.

3

Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, CA

Orange Coast College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in aviation/airway management & operations, landing the #3 spot 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, with out-of-state students paying around $11,640. Students borrow a median of $8,978 to complete the aviation/airway management & operations program here. Soon after graduation, aviation/airway management & operations degree recipients from Orange Coast College generally make around $46,306. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Glendale Community College Glendale Ca
Glendale, CA

A rank of #4 makes Glendale Community College Glendale Ca one of the best values for aviation/airway management & operations. Set in the city of Glendale, Glendale Community College Glendale Ca is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,191 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,935. Aviation/airway Management & Operations graduates carry a median of $19,800 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,540. Set against $19,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

Green River Community College
Auburn, WA

Green River Community College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value aviation/airway management & operations schools. Green River Community College is a large public school located in the city of Auburn. In-state tuition and fees average $4,711, while out-of-state students pay about $5,263. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,712.

6

University Of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK

University Of Alaska Anchorage came in at #6 for value in aviation/airway management & operations this year. Located in the city of Anchorage, University Of Alaska Anchorage is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,738 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,322. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the aviation/airway management & operations program here. Early-career aviation/airway management & operations graduates make about $59,053. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA

Central Washington University came in at #7 for value in aviation/airway management & operations this year. Central Washington University is a very large public school located in the town of Ellensburg. In-state tuition and fees average $9,417, compared with $27,526 for out-of-state students. Aviation/airway Management & Operations graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Aviation/airway Management & Operations graduates of Central Washington University earn a median of $40,025 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Washington University admits about 91% of applicants.

8

California Baptist University
Riverside, CA

California Baptist University placed #8 among the best values for aviation/airway management & operations. Located in the city of Riverside, California Baptist University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $41,228. Typical student debt for aviation/airway management & operations graduates is $28,169. Aviation/airway Management & Operations graduates of California Baptist University earn a median of $48,989 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,169 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

9

Santa Barbara Business College Ventura
Bakersfield, CA

Santa Barbara Business College Ventura placed #9 among the best values for aviation/airway management & operations. Located in the suburb of Bakersfield, Santa Barbara Business College Ventura is a small private for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,667. Aviation/airway Management & Operations graduates carry a median of $30,024 in student loans. Soon after graduation, aviation/airway management & operations degree recipients from Santa Barbara Business College Ventura generally make around $52,656. Set against $30,024 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.