Program Analysis
Graduates earn $45,193/yr, roughly in line with the $44,286 national median for Air Transportation. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
With a 19.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Air Transportation career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
With first-year pay of $45,193 far exceeding the $19,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Minnesota State University-Mankato ranks #6 among 54 Air Transportation programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The $45,193-to-$84,367 earnings arc over five years reflects a 87% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.