by our College Data Analytics Team
[Air Transportation](/majors/transportation-materials-handling/air-transportation/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 6 schools to find the best return on investment for air transportation students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the air transportation degrees they offer, see the list below.
Ivy Tech Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value air transportation schools in Indiana. Set in the city of Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Air Transportation graduates carry a median of $11,889 in student loans. Early-career air transportation graduates make about $40,734. That is a strong return on a $11,889 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Vincennes University earned it the #2 place for air transportation. Located in the town of Vincennes, Vincennes University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,126, compared with $16,858 for out-of-state students. Air Transportation graduates carry a median of $14,506 in student loans. Early-career air transportation graduates make about $45,976. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes Indiana State University one of the best values for air transportation. Set in the city of Terre Haute, Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,258, compared with $22,322 for out-of-state students. Air Transportation graduates carry a median of $24,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, air transportation degree recipients from Indiana State University generally make around $40,112. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana State University admits about 81% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Purdue University Main Campus earned it the #4 place for air transportation. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Typical student debt for air transportation graduates is $21,250. Soon after graduation, air transportation degree recipients from Purdue University Main Campus generally make around $57,583. Set against $21,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 50%.
This list is compiled 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 · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.