Compare 47 Flight Instructor. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $75,308. Top programs: $104,472+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Flight Instructor programs tell a different story. Across 47 programs nationally, graduate earnings range from $26,353 to $104,472—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation. The right program choice can mean tens of thousands of dollars in annual earnings difference, regardless of where a school sits in general prestige rankings.
Topping the list, the University of North Dakota's Flight Instructor program delivers $104,472 in median graduate earnings—well above the $75,308 national average across all 47 programs. Close behind, Minnesota State University-Mankato posts $103,858 and Eastern New Mexico University reaches $103,617. Three regional public universities sitting within $900 of each other at the top makes the case: program outcomes here are driven by program quality, not school name.
Eastern New Mexico University stands out on debt burden as much as earnings. Students borrow $16,500 and face just a 2.8% payment burden—landing firmly in the 'Excellent' tier, meaning loan payments take a trivial slice of post-grad income. When parent loans enter the picture, ENMU still leads with a 5.4% family burden, also rated 'Excellent'—making it the strongest value choice whether students are financing independently or with family support.
Highest program earnings: $104,472
Strong outcomes ($104,472) with 77% acceptance rate
2.8% payment burden | Excellent
5.4% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $104,472 | 298 | $22,057 | Excellent | $14,269 | Excellent | |
| #2 | $103,858 | 75 | $21,106 | Excellent | $13,695 | Excellent | |
| #3 | $103,617 | 30 | $16,500 | Excellent | $13,200 | Excellent | |
| #4 | Liberty UniversityPrivate | $102,096 | 440 | $24,500 | Excellent | $16,398 | Excellent |
| #5 | $99,701 | 33 | $21,056 | Excellent | $23,508 | Good | |
| #6 | $93,627 | 114 | $19,000 | Excellent | $16,219 | Excellent | |
| #7 | $91,648 | 31 | $25,000 | Excellent | $16,878 | Good | |
| #8 | $91,081 | 45 | $20,654 | Excellent | $31,890 | Good | |
| #9 | $89,564 | 214 | $26,188 | Excellent | $22,488 | Good | |
| #10 | Lewis UniversityPrivate | $87,197 | 104 | $21,500 | Excellent | $23,044 | Good |
| #11 | Everglades UniversityPrivate | $86,730 | 64 | $38,996 | Good | $12,350 | Good |
| #12 | $86,161 | 115 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,448 | Good | |
| #13 | University Of DubuquePrivate | $86,081 | 73 | $25,750 | Excellent | $21,000 | Good |
| #14 | Kansas State UniversityPublic | $85,147 | 56 | $21,250 | Excellent | $27,283 | Good |
| #15 | Saint Louis UniversityPrivate | $83,903 | 33 | $25,000 | Excellent | $34,177 | Manageable |
| #16 | Westminster UniversityPrivate | $83,574 | 19 | $22,250 | Excellent | $25,834 | Good |
| #17 | $83,323 | 46 | $22,135 | Excellent | $18,071 | Good | |
| #18 | $83,243 | 89 | $27,000 | Excellent | $29,276 | Manageable | |
| #19 | $81,394 | 150 | $21,543 | Excellent | $19,500 | Good | |
| #20 | $80,981 | 33 | $20,210 | Excellent | $15,360 | Good | |
| #21 | $80,424 | 205 | $20,000 | Excellent | $14,229 | Good | |
| #22 | $79,821 | 121 | $19,500 | Excellent | $23,519 | Good | |
| #23 | Letourneau UniversityPrivate | $79,277 | 53 | $26,000 | Excellent | $24,703 | Manageable |
| #24 | $79,114 | 69 | $19,976 | Excellent | $25,868 | Manageable | |
| #25 | Hallmark UniversityPrivate | $79,086 | 5 | — | — | — | — |
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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
