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Air Transportation at Polk State College

Winter Haven, FL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
55
Optimistic
55
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $50,499/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (33% exposed)
Job Market Large (60,400 openings/yr)
ROI 39.7x earnings multiple (10.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #17 of 54 Air Transportation programs Top 50%

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 $537K $535K $499K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 39.9x 39.7x 37.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 10.9x 10.9x 10.2x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 48% 39%
DegreeOutlook Score 55 55 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$13,464
Out-of-state: $49,088 (10.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$36,108
-168% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $50,499 at Polk State College come in 14% above the national median of $44,286 for Air Transportation programs.

With a 39.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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.

A #17 ranking among 54 Air Transportation programs places Polk State College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About Polk State College

enrolling 5,954 students in Winter Haven, FL.

See all programs and financial aid at Polk State College →

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)

Other Majors at Polk State College

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($81,004) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($48,210) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($45,921) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($40,808)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Air Transportation trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Air Transportation at Polk State College?
At 55/100, Polk State College's Air Transportation program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →