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Air Transportation at California Aeronautical University

Bakersfield, CA · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
42
Optimistic
42
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $52,656/yr (19% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (33% exposed)
Job Market Large (60,400 openings/yr)
ROI 3.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #39 of 54 Air Transportation programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Air Transportation graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $549K $547K $509K
Earnings Multiple 3.9x 3.9x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 48% 39%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 42 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$141,860
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,931
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $52,656 per year, Air Transportation graduates from California Aeronautical University earn slightly above the $44,286 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

At 3.9x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Air Transportation career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $28,931 against $52,656/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #39 ranking among 54 Air Transportation programs places California Aeronautical University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About California Aeronautical University

a compact campus enrolling 383 students in Bakersfield, CA. With 50% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California Aeronautical University →

Top Career Paths

Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers $226,600/yr
Air traffic controllers $144,580/yr
Commercial pilots $122,670/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 54 schools offering Air Transportation →

Air Transportation at Other Schools

Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus ($88,085) Hallmark University ($79,086) University of North Texas ($56,487) Utah Valley University ($56,402) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott ($54,827) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach ($54,827) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide ($54,827) Everglades University ($53,331)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Air Transportation trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Air Transportation at California Aeronautical University?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Air Transportation programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →