Compare 49 Flight Instructor. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $59,896. Top programs: $118,920+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Flight Instructor tells a different story. Across 50 programs, earnings range from $66,019 to $118,920—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus's Flight Instructor program leads with graduates earning $118,920, nearly double the $60,153 average across all programs. Utah Valley University follows at $80,991, demonstrating how regional universities compete effectively in specialized aviation training regardless of broader institutional prestige.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Eastern New Mexico University graduates borrow $16,500 and face just a 2.3% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income.
Highest program earnings: $118,920
Strong outcomes with 55% acceptance
2.3% payment burden | Excellent
4.5% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $118,920 | 33 | $16,500 | Excellent | $13,200 | Excellent | |
| #2 | Utah Valley UniversityPublic | $80,991 | 195 | $14,750 | Excellent | $9,582 | Excellent |
| #3 | Hallmark UniversityPrivate | $79,086 | 11 | $25,438 | Excellent | $14,004 | Good |
| #4 | Liberty UniversityPrivate | $77,721 | 230 | $24,500 | Excellent | $16,398 | Good |
| #5 | $77,266 | 31 | $19,000 | Excellent | $15,945 | Good | |
| #6 | $75,272 | 45 | $21,106 | Excellent | $13,695 | Good | |
| #7 | $74,569 | 196 | $22,057 | Excellent | $14,269 | Good | |
| #8 | $73,463 | 20 | $21,056 | Excellent | $23,508 | Manageable | |
| #9 | $72,295 | 58 | $15,000 | Excellent | $20,820 | Good | |
| #10 | Letourneau UniversityPrivate | $71,704 | 39 | $26,000 | Excellent | $24,703 | Manageable |
| #11 | $71,373 | 100 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,448 | Manageable | |
| #12 | Everglades UniversityPrivate | $69,522 | 42 | $38,996 | Good | $12,350 | Manageable |
| #13 | $68,636 | 77 | $27,000 | Good | $29,276 | Challenging | |
| #14 | $68,320 | 40 | $22,135 | Excellent | $18,071 | Manageable | |
| #15 | University Of DubuquePrivate | $68,260 | 40 | $25,750 | Excellent | $21,000 | Manageable |
| #16 | $68,153 | 44 | $19,500 | Excellent | $22,000 | Manageable | |
| #17 | $67,791 | 24 | $19,250 | Excellent | $23,211 | Manageable | |
| #18 | Lewis UniversityPrivate | $66,953 | 105 | $21,500 | Excellent | $23,044 | Manageable |
| #19 | $66,019 | 68 | $24,500 | Excellent | $21,394 | Manageable | |
| #20 | $65,965 | 59 | $19,976 | Excellent | $25,868 | Manageable | |
| #21 | $65,149 | 126 | $26,188 | Good | $22,488 | Manageable | |
| #22 | $61,010 | 67 | $19,000 | Excellent | $16,219 | Manageable | |
| #23 | $60,844 | 21 | $22,500 | Good | $14,685 | Manageable | |
| #24 | $60,475 | 86 | $21,500 | Excellent | $13,743 | Manageable | |
| #25 | $60,361 | 156 | $20,000 | Excellent | $14,229 | Manageable |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
