by our College Data Analytics Team
[Air Transportation](/majors/transportation-materials-handling/air-transportation/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 18 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for air transportation students.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
BS in Operations Management - Logistics & Transportation
Enhance your Bachelor of Science in Operations Management with a concentration in Logistics and Transportation at Southern New Hampshire University.
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the air transportation degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in air transportation, no school beat San Diego Miramar College this year. San Diego Miramar College is a very large public school located in the city of San Diego. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,146, while out-of-state students pay about $10,002. Air Transportation graduates carry a median of $8,098 in student loans. Early-career air transportation graduates make about $41,038. Set against $8,098 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Mt San Antonio College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in air transportation, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Walnut, Mt San Antonio College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,364, with out-of-state students paying around $10,464. Air Transportation graduates carry a median of $9,384 in student loans. Soon after graduation, air transportation degree recipients from Mt San Antonio College generally make around $44,391. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
California State University Los Angeles is a great value for students pursuing a degree in air transportation, landing the #3 spot this year. California State University Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,164, with out-of-state students paying around $19,764. Students borrow a median of $15,132 to complete the air transportation program here. Early-career air transportation graduates make about $46,267. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Cypress College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value air transportation schools. Located in the city of Cypress, Cypress College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,150, while out-of-state students pay about $12,379. Median earnings reach $43,533 ten years out.
A rank of #5 makes Orange Coast College one of the best values for air transportation. 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. Students borrow a median of $8,978 to complete the air transportation program here. Air Transportation 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.
Glendale Community College Glendale Ca ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value air transportation schools. Glendale Community College Glendale Ca is a large public school located in the city of Glendale. Students from in state pay about $1,191 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,935. Students borrow a median of $19,800 to complete the air transportation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,540 ten years after entry. Set against $19,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Fullerton College landed the #7 spot for air transportation 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.
San Jose State University earned the #8 position for value in air transportation this year. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
California Baptist University placed #9 among the best values for air transportation. California Baptist University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Riverside. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,228. Air Transportation graduates carry a median of $28,169 in student loans. Air Transportation graduates of California Baptist University earn a median of $48,989 early in their careers. Set against $28,169 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
Santa Barbara Business College Ventura earned the #10 position for value in air transportation this year. Set in the suburb of Bakersfield, Santa Barbara Business College Ventura is a small private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,667 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $30,024 to complete the air transportation program here. Air Transportation graduates of Santa Barbara Business College Ventura earn a median of $52,656 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $30,024 median debt.
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 · 18 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
